Golden Circle
Reykjavik, Iceland
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 geysers, waterfalls, lava fields, volcanic craters, and Icelandic horses. There aren’t many other places in Europe where you can see so much topographical variety on one short trip.
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.
What is included in a Golden Circle tour?
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.
How long does a Golden Circle tour take?
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.
Can you visit the Golden Circle without a tour?
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.
Is there a lot of walking on a Golden Circle tour?
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.
Are there restrooms on a Golden Circle tour?
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.
Do you need to book Golden Circle tours in advance?
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.
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.
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