Golden Circle

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Stunning sights along the Golden Circle

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.

Ways to explore

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. 

In terms of activities, your options are diverse. You can 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.

Accessibility

Most attractions have paved boardwalks and flat ground for easy accessibility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Portable phone charger for long bus rides

What to wear

Thermal base layers, windproof hat, waterproof backpack cover

Not allowed

Off-road driving, drones without permits, wild camping, lighting fires, loud noises

Amenities

Many tour buses include Wi-Fi, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafés along the way that have restrooms.

Address

It takes just over three hours to drive the famous Golden Circle route from Reykjavik, but plan on spending anywhere from 6-8 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.

Driving

Begin your journey by taking Route 1 (Ring Road) east from Reykjavik. After about 15 minutes, take the exit onto Route 36 (Þingvallavegur), which leads to Thingvellir National Park. Take Route 36 north, then turn onto Route 365, and finally onto Route 37 to the Geysir Geothermal Area. From Geysir, continue on Route 35 for about 6 miles (10 kilometers) to Gullfoss Waterfall. To return to Reykjavik, continue south on Route 35, then merge back onto Route 1 towards Reykjavik.

Public transportation

There are no public buses that connect the Golden Circle sights, but there are hundreds of guided bus tours available.

Best times to visit

There are only 4-6 hours of daylight during the winter months, so make sure you arrive as soon as the sun rises to maximize your sightseeing time.

Best days to visit

Monday through Thursday.

Best months to visit

Plan to go in the summer months for warmer temperatures and the midnight sun (the sun only dips below the horizon for about three hours per day).

Special events

Þorrablót in January and February, which celebrates traditional Icelandic Norse customs.