Iceland is well known for its natural beauty. From glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls to hot springs and dazzling, unpopulated landscapes, here is a land that has been shaped by the forces of the Earth. This majestic island draws visitors from far and wide to marvel at these wonders of nature.
Though these could seem far-flung, visiting these attractions in the south is made easy thanks to their proximity to Reykjavik, the capital city. From here, visitors embark on the famous Golden Circle — a route that takes in some of the country’s most memorable landmarks.
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A Guide to the Golden Circle in Iceland
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular routes that tourists take to explore the amazing natural wonderland of Iceland. Starting from Reykjavik in the south, the loop passes through uplands and stops off at three main points of interest: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Haukadalur Geothermal Area.
The name of this route is said to take its name from Gullfoss, which literally means “Golden Falls”.
As well as these three main points of interest, there are a number of other stops along the way and diversions that can be added to your itinerary. These include the Kerid Volcanic Crater and the isolated town of Hveragerdi. Where you choose to stop is entirely up to you, of course.
How to visit the Golden Circle
How you decide to visit the sights along the Golden Circle depends on how you like traveling. Many visitors opt to explore this slice of Icelandic nature independently, by renting a car and hitting the road themselves, while others take it easy with a guided day. Both of them have their own plus points.
Rent a car
Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to explore Iceland. Having your own set of wheels means being able to get around at your own pace, allowing you the freedom to head out when you want, stop when you want, and really tailor this popular itinerary to your own tastes.
The most sensible place to rent a car is Reykjavik; there are plenty of international car rental companies located in the city, just make sure you book well in advance to secure the best deal so you get the car you want for your trip.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars, where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
It’s probably best to have some experience driving abroad before taking on the Golden Circle. However, during the summer months, the roads in Iceland are completely safe and in good condition. Not only that but visiting during the summer months means you get plenty of hours of daylight to spend enjoying all the delights the Golden Circle has to offer.
Guided tours from Reykjavik
But you don’t have to drive the Golden Circle yourself to fully enjoy it. Many opt to join a guided tour to discover the various marvels along this storied sightseeing route. The advantages of joining a tour include not having to worry about navigating the island by yourself, and also having a tour guide who’ll provide a whole lot of information about the stops you make along the route.
There is a long list of tours to opt for, from large coaches to small, intimate group tours. One example is this Golden Circle full-day tour with Kerid Volcanic Crater included. This tour leaves Reykjavik and stops off at the main sights on the route, also making the detour to Kerid Volcanic Crater. This tour lasts around eight hours.
Click here for more information and to book this tour.
Attractions on the Golden Circle
Reykjavik
The logical starting point for any road trip around Iceland’s Golden Circle, Reykjavik is the capital city of this Nordic nation and the place to be for cafes, good food, and plenty of culture. If you’re thinking of heading out on the Golden Circle route, don’t miss out on seeing this cool city, which will help you to unravel Icelandic culture. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from and enough going on to warrant a few days exploring Reykjavik.
Things to see in Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja
This iconic cathedral may look cutting-edge, but construction on this concrete landmark began in 1945. The eye-catching structure can be seen up to 20 kilometers away, jutting over 74 meters into the sky, and is the largest church in the country. The design is supposed to reflect volcanic basalt columns. Make sure to catch the elevator to the clock tower for incredible city views.
Harpa
Home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, Reykjavik’s waterside concert hall and cultural center first opened its doors in 2011. Some shows here are free, but one of the best things to do is to take a 30-minute guided tour to get a better insight into this architectural gem.
Old Reykjavik
For interesting historic buildings, don’t miss out on seeing this slice of the city — its oldest quarter. Lined with old buildings and colorful facades, it’s a great place to wander. Here you’ll find Tjörnin Lake, Raðhús — Reykjavik’s city hall — and Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament building.
Where to stay in Reykjavik
201 Hotel: This modern hotel is a sleek, comfortable place to stay for a few nights when you first arrive in Iceland. Rooms at this polished hotel are affordable, while amenities include a fitness room, a bar, and an onsite restaurant. – Click here for more information and to check availability.
Exeter Hotel: Perfectly situated in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, close to Harpa, this fashionable hotel features stylish, design-led rooms and chic interiors throughout. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant, indulging in its bakery, or taking time out in the hotel’s sauna. – Click here for more information and to check availability.
Thingvellir National Park
This iconic stop on the Golden Circle is your first taste of Iceland’s epic natural beauty. The country’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir is also the location of Iceland’s first parliament — the Althingi, which is also the oldest parliament in the world. From as early as 930, Vikings held meetings at these cathedral-like rock formations. Elsewhere, the national park features glaciers, waterfalls, and the country’s largest lake.
Things to see in Thingvellir National Park
Althingi
Situated at the meeting point of two tectonic plates — the North American and the Eurasian — Iceland’s first parliament is not only historically significant: it’s a natural wonder. Here you can actually walk a narrow trail between two craggy geological formations, marking the only point on land where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible.
Oxara Waterfall
Another important part of Thingvellir is the Oxara Waterfall. Though beautiful, this water feature has a dark history. During the Middle Ages, people were executed here by drowning in the plunge pool of the falls.
Thingvallavatn
Translating to “Lake of the Fields of Parliament”, this vast body of water is Iceland’s largest lake. Incredibly, this lake has a depth of up to 114 meters and covers an area of 84 square kilometers. The various footpaths surrounding the lake make for a picturesque stroll in this stark environment.
Where to stay near Thingvellir National Park
Hótel Laugarvatn: Just 15 minutes drive from the boundaries of the national park, Hotel Laugarvatn is an idyllic place to stay. With Lake Laugarvatn on the doorstep — a worthy detour in itself — there’s a selection of basic but clean and comfy rooms for guests to use, from dorm-style rooms to apartments. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
The Golden Circle Lodge: For those wanting privacy during their Golden Circle trip, this modern self-catering villa is a great option. Featuring four bedrooms, a kitchen, and a seating area, there’s even a jacuzzi and sauna so you can unwind in the evening after a day of exploring the national park. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Haukadalur Geothermal Area
Just to the north of Lake Laugarvatn lies the valley of Haukadalur (“Valley of Hawks”). Mentioned as far back as 1294, this geothermal area is awash with hot springs, steaming vents, and geysers that arise from this stark volcanic landscape. It’s a dramatic area to explore on foot and is home to one of Iceland’s most prominent tourist attractions: Geysir.
Things to see in Haukadalur Geothermal Area
Geysir
Also known as the Great Geyser, Geysir means “gusher” in Icelandic and is actually the origin of the word “geyser”. This natural phenomenon has been active for over 800 years and, although an icon of the country, is unreliable, usually only erupting after earthquakes.
Strokkur
Much more reliable than Geysir is Strokkur. Erupting every five to ten minutes, this powerful geyser is the most active in the country. Every time it erupts the water shoots out to a height of around 15 to 20 metres in the air. This fountain-like geyser has been known to have erupted as high as 60 meters.
Mud pools and fumaroles
Haukadalur is home to much geothermal activity, but not all of it is as dramatic as geysers. Among the volcanic scenery are hidden a variety of mud pools. These are quite literally boiling pits of mud that spit and bubble, often not far from the trails you’ll be walking. There are also fumaroles: steaming gas vents stained yellow from crystallized sulfur.
Where to stay near Haukadalur Geothermal Area
Litli Geysir Hotel: Situated just 200 meters from the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, Litli Geysir Hotel is also an ideal place to stay for visiting Gullfoss (around a 10-minute drive away). The hotel itself provides basic but contemporary rooms that allow for a comfortable overnight stay. The bonus is the onsite restaurant. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Geysir Hestar: Staying at Geysir Hestar gives guests the chance to experience life on an Icelandic farm. The simple accommodation here consists of cottages and private rooms with shared bathrooms. This idyllic place to stay along the Golden Circle is also a great spot to view the Northern Lights (at the right time of year). – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is the most famous waterfall in Iceland. In fact, it gives its name to the entire Golden Route as a whole. The waterfall plows down a dramatic 32-meter drop into a plunge pool below; as it does so, the powerful wall of water kicks up an impressive spray before cutting through a rocky ravine.
Visiting here when the sun is out is a recommendation: it offers up a chance to see rainbows appearing in the mist that hangs over the waterfall. In other months, the icy conditions create glistening scenes in the rocks that frame the falls. To put it another way, Gullfoss is beautiful all year round.
Things to see near Gullfoss
Exploring the waterfall
Gullfoss is a really popular sight in Iceland; there’s a cafe and a visitor center almost right next to the cascade. Once you’ve parked up, make sure you take a stroll along the wooden pathway that runs alongside the top of the waterfall.
This will ensure you have an amazing vantage point of the crisscrossing layers that make up the waterfalls. There’s also a viewing platform, as well as other trails that lead around the area for different perspectives on this force of nature.
Brúarhlöð
Further along the road from Gullfoss, around three kilometers south, this river is a lesser-visited spot on the Golden Circle – but no less worth your time. This picturesque natural spot has been sculpted over millennia and features pillar-like rocks that jut out from the pale blue river. Visitors can stop for a while and take a walk over that straddles the river; it’s a particularly magnificent spot around sunset.
Where to stay near Gullfoss
Hotel Gullfoss: Hotel Gullfoss is situated a mere stone’s throw from the famed waterfall itself. Rooms here are spacious and stylish, with large comfortable beds and a chic cabin aesthetic. The highlight of this hotel is the delicious food on offer at the onsite restaurant, as well as the cocktails mixed up at the bar. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Náttúra Yurtel: For those looking for more of a unique place to stay on the Golden Circle, there’s this glamping option. Consisting of a number of luxury yurts, situated in a beautifully remote location, it’s the ideal place to soak up the stunning scenery of Iceland — and stay cozy while you do so. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.