The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular tourist route, offering a perfect mix of stunning natural beauty, geothermal activity, and rich Icelandic culture and history. The 300-kilometer loop, starting and ending in Reykjavík, covers must-see spots like Thingvellir  National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall. Along the way, you can explore volcanic landscapes, swim in natural hot springs, and discover Iceland’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re driving yourself around or taking day trips from Reykjavik, this Golden Circle itinerary lets you experience some of the best things that Iceland has to offer, with plenty of opportunities to add extra stops along the way. The Golden Circle is a must-do route for first-time visitors to Iceland, and trust me, you’ll want to do it again on future trips to the country!

Here is the perfect self-drive itinerary for the Golden Circle in Iceland, including the best places to visit, optional activities, where to stay, and where to eat.

What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle is one of the most iconic and accessible sightseeing routes in Iceland, which takes you through a diverse range of some of Iceland’s best natural phenomena. The three main stops that make up the Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, but there are also plenty of other gems worth stopping for along the way. Because it’s such a compact route (with all spots just a few hours from Reykjavík), the Golden Circle makes for a perfect day trip from Reykjavik or an easy start to your Iceland itinerary.

How to Get to Iceland’s Golden Circle

The best way to explore the Golden Circle is by car. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to go at your own pace, stop wherever you like, and avoid the tour bus crowds. I personally recommend Go Car Rental, as they have excellent service, competitive pricing, and a good selection of vehicles that are well-suited for Iceland’s ever-changing weather.

If you’re flying into Keflavík International Airport and want to kick off your trip with some iconic sights, the Golden Circle is a great first stop. The drive from the airport to Thingvellir National Park (the first major stop along the route) is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you’re starting from Reykjavík, it’s even closer, just a 45-minute drive to Thingvellir, making it a super easy day trip from the city.

If driving isn’t your thing or you just want to sit back and enjoy the views, there are plenty of Golden Circle day tours that leave right from Reykjavík. These are a great, stress-free option if you’re short on time or visiting Iceland in the winter when road conditions can be a bit tricky.

How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?

If you’re just driving the loop without stopping, the full Golden Circle route can be done in about 3 to 4 hours. However, between photo ops, hiking trails, hot springs, and cozy cafés and restaurants, most people spend at least a full day exploring the Golden Circle. Plan for somewhere in the 7 to 9 hours range if you want to make sure you can hit all of the highlights without rushing.

What is the best time of year to visit the Golden Circle?

Iceland is truly a wonderful year-round destination, with something unique to offer during every season. There isn’t necessarily a “best time” to visit the Golden Circle – it really depends on what you are looking for in your experience.

Summer brings the mildest weather and the most daylight hours, perfect for exploring at any time of day. The only downside is that Summer is Iceland’s most popular season, bringing more crowds and higher accommodation prices.

Fall and Spring are the shoulder seasons in Iceland, and while the weather is cooler and you might experience more rainy days, it’s a wonderful time to visit the Golden Circle. There are fewer tourists, accommodation prices have decreased, and you’ll even have the opportunity to potentially see the Northern Lights! There is also still plenty of daylight depending on the month you visit, so you’ll have lots of time to explore before it gets dark.

Winter is Iceland’s least busy season, and brings in lots of snow and cold weather. Daylight is limited, with the shortest days in December and January at about 4-5 hours of daylight. However, winter is by far the best time of year to witness the Northern Lights, so if your goal is to see the lights, winter is your best bet next to fall and early spring. 

How much time do you need to self-drive Iceland’s Golden Circle?

I personally suggest spending at least one night along the Golden Circle so you can avoid feeling rushed, especially if you plan to explore beyond the Golden Circle’s main three points of interest. If you’d really like to take your time and participate in fun excursions, I suggest staying for 2 to 3 nights in the Golden Circle.

Tips for Visiting Iceland’s Golden Circle

Fill up on gas beforehand

Before you start the loop, I suggest filling your rental car with gas so you have a full tank. Gas stations are limited along the Golden Circle, and the last thing you want is to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere!

Pack layers

Iceland’s weather changes quickly, and it’s often windier than you expect – even in the summertime! I also suggest packing a poncho or waterproof jacket in case it rains, or if you get sprayed by mist at the waterfalls you’ll visit along the way.

Load up on Snacks

If you don’t want to rely on restaurants, I suggest stopping by a gas station or grocery store to bring snacks and pack a lunch. The most affordable grocery store with plenty of options is Bonus (the one with the piggy bank logo!).

Download offline maps

Cell service can be spotty in some areas in the Golden Circle, so I strongly suggest downloading offline maps on Google Maps before embarking on your route.

Best Places to Visit During Your Self-Drive Golden Circle Itinerary

In this self-drive Golden Circle itinerary, we will cover the main points of interest along the Golden Circle, as well as some unique hidden gems and unforgettable activities. You’ll start off visiting Thingvellir National Park, and make your way towards Geysir and Gulfoss, hitting some optional gems along the way like Brúarfoss and Laugarvatn Fontana. After spending time at Geysir and Gullfoss, you’ll make your way towards Kerid Crater Lake, while optionally taking a slight detour to Hrunalaug Hot Spring along the way.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is not only Iceland’s most popular national park, but also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s an absolute must-visit stop along Iceland’s Golden Circle. What makes this place truly special is its location right on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The shifting of these plates has carved out a stunning and rugged landscape that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. You can wander along well-marked, easy hiking trails that actually lead you between two continents, which is truly an unforgettable, surreal experience. Highlights within the park include the powerful Öxarárfoss waterfall, the serene Þingvallavatn Lake, and the dramatic Almannagjá Gorge.

Points of Interest in Thingvellir National Park:

Almannagjá Gorge

A beautiful gorge you can hike through, which was created as a result of shifting tectonic plates. Quite literally, you will be hiking between the North American and European continental divide. It can be accessed via the easy 2.5-mile Almannagjá Loop Trail. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize this location as the “Bloody Gate”, seen in season 4!

Öxarárfoss

A small, yet powerful, waterfall in the heart of Thingvellir. It’s easily accessed via the Almannagjá Loop Trail or a short walk from the Öxarárfoss Parking Lot. This waterfall is surrounded by basalt columns, towering rocks, and crystal clear streams, and is a must visit in Thingvellir!

Lögberg

Translated to “Law Rock”, this site is actually one of the world’s oldest parliaments. Dating back to 930 AD, local officials would congregate here to establish laws. The spot is marked with a flag, so you can’t miss it!

Þingvallakirkja (Thingvellir church)

A charming little church inside Thingvellir. Perfect for photo opportunities, or just viewing from afar along the Almannagjá Loop Trail.

Þórufoss

While technically outside of Thingvellir, Þórufoss is a beautiful waterfall located just 20 minutes outside of the park. It’s another must-visit for Game of Thrones fans, as it was also featured in season 4 of the series.

Snorkel Between 2 Continents in Thingvellir National Park (Optional Activity)

The Silfra Fissure is the only place on Earth where you can snorkel directly between two continental plates—and it’s hands down one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Iceland. I did this tour with DIVE.IS, one of the top-rated and most established operators offering Silfra excursions, and I genuinely can’t recommend it enough.

After suiting up in the provided gear, including a dry suit that keeps you warm in the frigid water, you’ll take a short walk to the fissure itself, nestled within Thingvellir National Park. At first glance, the surface might not look like anything extraordinary, but the moment you dip your face into the water and look through your mask, it’s like entering an alien world! The water is an unbelievably vibrant electric blue and is considered the clearest in the world, with visibility reaching up to 100 meters (about 300 feet). That insane clarity is the result of glacial meltwater that has been filtered naturally for decades through porous lava rock, creating a pure, glass-like underwater environment.

After floating peacefully between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, you’ll head back to the base to warm up with a cozy cup of hot chocolate and some traditional Icelandic cookies—an unexpectedly perfect ending to a surreal adventure. If you’re scuba certified, DIVE.IS also offers diving tours in Silfra, which allow you to explore the fissure at even greater depths. I didn’t do the diving option, but it’s made me want to get my scuba certification, and it should absolutely be on your bucket list if you’re a diver!

Laugarvatn Fontana (Optional Stop)

Laugarvatn Fontana is an incredible hidden gem right along the Golden Circle. A relaxing geothermal spa that’s perfect for unwinding between adventures, Laugarvatn Fontana features a variety of soothing hot pools, steamy saunas, and even direct access to the lake if you’re feeling brave enough for a cold plunge!  With stunning views of the surrounding lake and mountains, it’s a peaceful escape with a beautiful natural backdrop.

What really sets Laugarvatn Fontana apart, though, is its geothermal bakery. Thanks to the intense geothermal activity beneath the ground at Laugarvatn, the ground there is literally hot enough to bake bread in! One of the most unique things that you can do on your trip is join their Geothermal Rye Bread Baking Tour, where a guide will take you to the hot sand pits used to bake traditional Icelandic rye bread, known as rúgbrauð, underground. You’ll learn about how they make the bread from preparing the dough to burying it to bake for 24 hours. At the end of the tour, you get the chance to taste some of the freshly baked bread. The bread is served warm with fresh Icelandic butter and smoked trout or salmon. It’s simple, but incredibly tasty!

It’s a fun, cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into Iceland’s geothermal way of life, and I highly recommend making time for it if you’re in the area!

Brúarfoss

Brúarfoss is my personal favorite spot along the Golden Circle – yet most tourists skip it! Brúarfoss is an absolutely stunning collection of waterfalls with a gorgeous bright blue color. It’s an easy out-and-back trail, but you’ll have to hike 4 miles to see everything, so if you want to visit Brúarfoss, I suggest spending at least 1 night along the Golden Trail, as it takes nearly 3 hours to complete. Along the trail, you’ll encounter 2 other waterfalls, Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss. All three waterfalls have a stunning milky blue color and are incredibly picturesque, but the final fall you will encounter, Brúarfoss, steals the show with its countless streams of water feeding into a beautifully blue rushing river.

If you will be hiking this trail on a rainy day or if it has rained recently, be prepared to experience muddy conditions. In this case, waterproof hiking shoes are a must – it had recently rained when we took this trail, and at one point we were ankle deep in mud. It was absolutely worth it, though, and thankfully we were prepared!

Geysir

Just a short drive from Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir is a must-see geothermal area that, like its name suggests, contains a whole field of active geysers. If you’ve ever visited places like Yellowstone or Rotorua in New Zealand, you’ll know exactly what to expect; that unmistakable sulfur smell hits you the moment you step out of your car! But rest assured, the smell is worth enduring for the otherworldly views.

If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, there’s a 1.8-mile moderate hiking loop that takes you past steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and powerful geyser eruptions. Don’t worry if you’re pressed for time (or energy), as you can always just explore a portion of the trail and still get a great feel for the area.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic (and most popular) waterfalls. Located at the northern edge of the Golden Circle, this powerful multi-tiered waterfall draws more visitors than any other waterfall in the country. Its name means “Golden Falls,” and there are a couple of tales behind that. One legend claims that a wealthy farmer tossed his treasure into the falls to keep anyone else from claiming it after his death. Others believe the name comes from the golden glow the water takes on at sunset, when sunlight hits the spray just right. Either way, it’s a magical spot that you won’t want to miss!

Hiking the Gullfoss Waterfall trail is an easy, .9 mile out and back hiking trail that will only take about 20 minutes to complete. Along the trail, you’ll encounter some truly incredible viewpoints of Gullfoss. Being such a powerful waterfall, expect to get wet with some mist along the way! I suggest bringing a poncho or waterproof jacket – especially on a windier day, as the wind may spray extra water onto the trail.

If you’re hungry and have time after the hike, feel free to stop by the Gullfoss Panoramic Restaurant, which is a casual restaurant offering incredible views of the waterfall!

Hrunalaug Hot Spring (Optional Stop)

Another hidden gem just outside the Golden Circle, Hrunalaug Hot Spring is a magical hot spring located on the property of a private farm. Dating back to the 1890s, Hrunalaug Hot Spring was once used to bathe sheep, but has since been opened to the public as a wonderful place to unwind. It’s surrounded by the idyllic Icelandic countryside, its picturesque rolling hills providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing soak.

Hours for Hrunalaug Hot Spring are 9 am to 11 pm in the summer, 9 am to 9 pm in the fall, and 10 am to 8 pm in the winter. I suggest getting there a little before opening for the most peaceful experience. There is an entrance fee of 3000 ISK, which can be paid with cash or card.

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is an incredibly vibrant volcanic crater lake that formed around 3,000 years ago, and it’s one of the most visually stunning stops along Iceland’s Golden Circle. There’s a small entrance fee (about 450 ISK) since Kerid is privately owned, but it’s well worth it for the experience!

Scientists believe it was originally a cone-shaped volcano that collapsed into its own magma chamber after an eruption, leaving behind a perfectly oval-shaped crater. What makes Kerid especially striking is its bold contrast of colors—the vivid blue water sits in the base of the crater, surrounded by rich red volcanic rock and patches of bright green moss. It’s an incredible natural color palette that looks like something out of another planet.

I suggest walking the easy, well-maintained path that circles the rim of the crater for sweeping views of the lake from above. Then, if you’re up for a little climb, head down the wooden steps to the edge of the lake to see it from a completely different perspective. In the summer, you may even spot small concerts or performances being held here, as the natural acoustics of the crater make it a unique outdoor venue!

Where to Stay in the Golden Circle

Being Iceland’s most popular tourist route, there are no accommodation shortages along the Golden Circle. You’ll find a wide range of options for every budget, including incredibly unique options like the famous “bubble hotel”.

Selfoss is the closest major town to the Golden Circle and is about a 15-minute drive from Kerid Crater along the Golden Circle. Many tourists choose to stay here, as there are plenty of lodging and dining options, as well as a gas station and a major grocery store. However, there are also plenty of countryside accommodation options along the Golden Circle, so if you’d prefer a peaceful accommodation surrounded by serene nature to a convenient town accommodation, you will have plenty of options.

• Luxury: 360 Hotel & Spa: Perched on a scenic hilltop just 15 minutes from Selfoss, 360 Hotel & Spa lives up to its name with sweeping panoramic views of the Icelandic countryside from its floor-to-ceiling glass walls. This high-end boutique hotel is known for its sleek design, ultra-comfy rooms, and exceptional service. You can relax in the on-site spa, enjoy a gourmet meal at the in-house restaurant, and—if you’re lucky—watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky from the warmth of your room.
• Midrange: Blue Hotel Fagrilundur: This charming, family-run hotel offers a cozy and tranquil escape right in the heart of the Golden Circle. Blue Hotel Fagrilundur features stylish, modern rooms and is perfectly positioned for exploring nearby attractions. Thanks to its peaceful setting and minimal light pollution, it’s also a fantastic spot to try spotting the elusive Northern Lights on a clear night.
• Budget: Guesthouse Húsið: Set in the stunning Fljótshlíð valley, Guesthouse Húsið is a budget-friendly gem housed in a former school building. It offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with clean and comfy rooms, free parking, and a relaxing on-site sauna. The natural surroundings here are beautiful, giving you that “off-the-beaten-path” Icelandic charm without breaking the bank.
• Backpacker Budget: Selfoss Hostel: If you’re looking for something affordable and well-located, Selfoss Hostel makes a solid base for Golden Circle adventures. It’s about an hour’s drive from the farthest points of the route and perfectly situated as a stopover if you’re continuing on to Vik. With basic but comfortable amenities, a shared kitchen, and a hot tub to soak in after a day of exploring, it’s a great choice for backpackers and budget travelers alike.
• Unique Experience: Bubble Hotel Iceland – Hrosshagi: For a truly unforgettable night, book a stay at the Bubble Hotel in Hrosshagi. This one-of-a-kind glamping experience puts you in a transparent bubble in the middle of nature, offering 360-degree views of the night sky right from your bed. Surrounded by trees and away from light pollution, it’s one of the best places in Iceland to stargaze, and if conditions are right, you can witness the magical Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed!

Best Restaurants in The Golden Circle

• Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant | $$$: For an unforgettable and splurge-worthy meal, this Viking-themed restaurant comes complete with turf-roof architecture and a rustic medieval ambiance. Located near the town of Hveragerði, Ingólfsskáli offers traditional Icelandic meals like lamb, fish, and wild game, all presented with dramatic flair. It’s a fun and immersive experience for anyone curious about Icelandic heritage.
• Gullfoss – Panorama Restaurant | $$: Located right by Gullfoss Waterfall, this casual spot is a convenient place to grab a bite while soaking in sweeping views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape. The menu features simple, hearty meals—perfect for refueling after exploring the falls.
• Mika Restaurant | $$: Just outside of Reykholt, Mika is a cozy and stylish restaurant known for its creative dishes that blend traditional Icelandic flavors with global influences. From wood-fired pizzas to slow-cooked lamb and fresh seafood, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t skip dessert—their homemade chocolates are a local favorite..
• Friðheimar | $$: A must-visit culinary experience in the Golden Circle, Friðheimar is a greenhouse restaurant where nearly everything on the menu is made with fresh, ripe tomatoes grown on-site year-round using geothermal energy. Enjoy tomato soup with fresh-baked bread, pasta with tomato-based sauces, or even tomato-themed cocktails—all while dining surrounded by rows of vibrant tomato plants.
• Pylsuvagninn Hotdog Chain | $: If you’re spending time in Selfoss, this beloved hot dog stand is a great place for a quick and affordable bite. Pylsuvagninn serves up some of the best Icelandic hot dogs around—complete with crispy onions, sweet mustard, and remoulade. It’s a simple classic that locals and visitors alike love.

Conclusion

One of Iceland’s most popular routes, the Golden Circle, is an absolute must-add to your Iceland Itinerary! With iconic natural wonders, relaxing hot springs, and unique dining options, it’s no wonder that the Golden Circle is beloved by travelers from all over the world.

Planning a Ring Road trip around Iceland? Check out my in-depth 7-day itinerary to Iceland!

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