Golden Circle (Gullni Hringurinn)
ISL
There's a lot to see in Iceland, and the grand Golden Circle (Gullni Hringurinn) is your ticket to easily hitting multiple popular sights, especially if you only have one day to venture outside Reykjavik. Departing from the city, Golden Circle tours showcase a number of southwest Iceland's natural attractions—think geysers, waterfalls, lava fields, volcanic craters, and Icelandic horses. There are few other places in Europe where you can see so much topographical variety on one short trip.
Most Golden Circle tours in Iceland depart from Reykjavik by bus, include an expert guide, and comprise an entire day of sightseeing to take in the natural beauty. If you have time, opt for a group or private tour that tacks on additional activities along the way.
Take an Icelandic Super Jeep tour; whitewater raft on the river Hvítá; try a snowmobile tour on the Langjökull Glacier; search for the Northern Lights in winter; or dip into the heated water of the Blue Lagoon or the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) hot springs.
Wear comfortable shoes and layers no matter the season.
Most sites have paved boardwalks and flat ground for easy accessibility.
Don't worry about food and Wi-Fi—many tour buses include wireless internet, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the way that provide both.
The Golden Circle route is one of the most popular day tours among travelers, so expect some crowds.
Don't confuse the Golden Circle with the Ring Road, which circles the entire country and is best seen with a rental car and (at least) a week's time.
It takes just over three hours to drive the famous Golden Circle route from Reykjavik, but plan on spending anywhere from six to eight hours depending on how long you explore at each stop. Most bus tours do the full loop before returning to the city. Whether you're traveling by bus or rental car, the route is paved and 4x4 vehicles aren't necessary.
The Golden Circle is easily accessible from Reykjavik year-round. Plan to go in the summer months for warmer temperatures and midnight sun (the sun only dips below the horizon for about three hours per day). If you go in midwinter, you'll get only about five hours of daylight, but you'll find the Golden Circle's green hills and lava fields overcome with snow and ice.
Closest to Reykjavik on the route is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. Head next to Haukadalur Valley, to visit the world-famous Great Geysir hot spring and Strokkur geyser, where you'll see eruptions of boiling water every six to 10 minutes; the 600-foot-wide (180-meter) Gullfoss waterfall (Golden Falls); and Kerid Crater Lake, which is surrounded by striking red volcanic rock. The Golden Circle is also an important geothermal area for Iceland (which runs almost entirely on renewable energy), with the Nesjavellir power plant and the Hveragerdi greenhouse village nearby.
Golden Circle tours typically include stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area. Some tours have additional activities, such as horseback riding, a snowmobile tour on the Langjökull Glacier, or a visit to the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon.
You must set aside a whole day to explore the Golden Circle from Reykjavik with a guided tour. The exact length of the tour depends on which if any, additional activities your tour includes. Tours are typically full-day, ranging from 7–10 hours.
Yes, you can experience Iceland’s Golden Circle without a tour. Driving the route on your own allows you to set your own pace and dodge the biggest crowds, but traveling with a tour guide offers a more relaxing experience, information, and insights you might not otherwise get.
No, there is not much walking on a Golden Circle tour. However, the attractions typically require a walk of around 5-10 minutes from the parking area to reach the destination (sometimes over uneven ground), so you should wear comfortable walking shoes.
Yes, public restrooms are available at each stop around the classic Golden Circle route: Gullfoss, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. If you are taking a guided bus tour, your bus may have a restroom on board—inquire with the tour operator beforehand.
No, you do not need to book your Golden Circle tickets for a tour in advance, but it is highly recommended. The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most popular attractions, and tours fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer season—book in advance to avoid disappointment.
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