Golden Circle Iceland Map: A Complete Guide to Exploring Iceland’s Scenic Route

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, a Golden Circle Iceland map is an essential tool to navigate the country’s most popular sightseeing route. Known for stunning landscapes and natural wonders, the Golden Circle circuit is ideal for travelers who wish to explore at their own pace. In this guide, we’ll dive into the Golden Circle self-drive itinerary Iceland has to offer, highlighting the best attractions in Iceland, along with tips for timing, like the best time to visit the Golden Circle in Iceland. Whether you choose a Golden Circle tour vs. self-drive, this guide will ensure you get the most from this iconic route.

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Top Sights with the Golden Circle Iceland Map

Using a Golden Circle Iceland map is invaluable, especially if you’re opting for a Golden Circle self-drive itinerary vs a tour. Below, we outline the main Golden Circle attractions Iceland to help guide you and highlight must-visit spots. This self-drive option offers flexibility, allowing you to stop at unique places along the way and avoid the rush of a guided tour. However, Iceland’s winter weather can be challenging, and a tour may provide more convenience during colder months.

Golden Circle Self-Drive vs. Guided Tours: Which is Best?

Exploring the Golden Circle in Iceland independently offers unmatched freedom to set your own pace, if you’re doing a self-drive itinerary. However, guided tours provide convenience, especially during the winter months when road conditions may be challenging. A self-drive tour allows for extra flexibility to take detours, such as exploring the quaint churches along the route. My personal take? I am 100% for renting a vehicle and exploring on my own, however there are pros and cons to both. When you self-drive, you can go at your own pace and not feel rushed at sights along the Golden Circle in Iceland. Furthermore, I love having the freedom to stop when we see something intriguing, especially all the beautiful churches scattered around the country side.

Along the Golden Circle route, and really scattered throughout Iceland, are beautiful small country churches. Pictured above, were some of my favorites church stops from the Golden Circle itinerary.

Renting a Car for Golden Circle Route in Iceland

For those who prefer the flexibility of a Golden Circle self-drive itinerary Iceland, renting a car is a great option. Using a Golden Circle Iceland map to plan your route can help you reach each stop easily. This route takes around 6-8 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop, so plan accordingly and allow time for unexpected detours. For rental cars, I book my rental through Expedia. I like keeping my flight and rental car info all on one app on my phone. In Iceland, I have rented through Avis and Europcar, but I have used Alamo and Hertz in other locations and would recommend any of those companies. The Golden Circle Iceland map will come in handy if you’re self-driving on your adventure. Follow it to see the popular sights.

I do, however, see why people book a tour along Iceland’s Golden Circle route vs a self-drive adventure. The ease of not having to worry about where to go and how to get there is alluring to some. Then, there are the roads in Iceland and if you chose to visit in the winter, driving the Golden Circle could be a challenge. Although Iceland’s roads are easy to drive and in really great shape, weather conditions, mostly in the winter, can make driving a challenge, and this is where a tour would be ideal. So for those who would rather not self-drive the Golden Circle route in Iceland, here is a great tour option:

What to See and Do – As Seen on the Golden Circle Iceland Map: A Guide to the Best Attractions

Firstly, I think most people start with Thingvellir National Park and work their way around the Golden Circle route clockwise. I have been to Iceland twice, and both times we did just the opposite. I think a lot of it depends on where you are staying. Like I said, in Iceland, we self-drive and I prefer to stay at a rental outside the city. We stayed just north of Selfoss in Iceland, basically on the Golden Circle route near Kerid Carter on the map, so that is where we chose to start.

Popular Stop for Golden Circle Itinerary: Kerid Crater

Kerid, also known as Kerið, is a volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland. Characterized by its striking red volcanic rock walls, the crater is approximately 3,000 years old and is part of the Western Volcanic Zone. The lake within the crater adds to its unique beauty, with its turquoise picturesque water. It is easy to see why Kerid Crater is one of the Golden Circle’s popular sights.

FAQ’s about Kerid Crater:

1. Do you pay to go to Kerid Crater? – If you’re self-driving in Iceland, there is a small fee to park.
2. How much walking is involved at Kerid Crater? – In general, this is a pretty quick stop with less walking on this Golden Circle itinerary. It’s an easy walk to go see the crater. You can walk around the crater, which is a easy and short hike, but can be a little rocky for those who are unstable. There is also and option to take stairs to the bottom of the crater, if you chose.
3. Is there anything else here (shops, food, etc.)? – No, not really. There is a parking lot and place to pay for parking.
4. How do you pay for parking? – Credit card is the best way to pay for parking at Kerid Crater.

Packing Essentials for Iceland: A good carry-on with TSA-approved locks, AirTags for luggage, and Euro plug adaptor

Popular Attraction on the Golden Circle in Iceland: Gullfoss Waterfall

As you continue to follow the map along the Golden Circle, Gullfoss Waterfall awaits, one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls. Known as the “Golden Falls,” Gullfoss is a majestic two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá River. The powerful cascades plunge into a deep canyon, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s force. Visitors can walk along the edge of the falls and feel the mist on their faces, immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Gullfoss. If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Golden Circle Iceland, Gullfoss offers unique views year-round, though each season provides a different experience of this stunning sight.

Gullfoss is a short drive passed Geysir. That being said, you will drive right by Geysir getting here. If you’re doing a self-drive Golden Circle route in Iceland, you can stop at either one first.

FAQ’s about Gullfoss:

1. Do you have to pay to see it? – If you self-drive the Golden Circle in Iceland, there is a small fee to park at the Gullfoss visitor center parking lot.
2. How do you pay for parking? – Like most places in Iceland, credit card is widely accepted.
3. What else is there at Gullfoss? – There is a visitor center with an awesome souvenir shop, clean bathrooms, and cafe.
4. Is there food at Gullfoss? – Yes, there is a cafe with great food choices and beverages (including wine and beer)
5. Is there a lot of walking involved to see Gullfoss? – There is a nicely paved path to the falls. You can walk further on (on a less paved path) to get a better look) but the you can get a great look at the falls without walking too much.

Popular Stops on the Golden Circle Itinerary: Geysir/Strokkur

Next on the journey is the Geysir Geothermal Area, a geothermal field with bubbling hot springs and erupting geysers. As you can see from the Golden Circle map in Iceland, Geysir is pretty close to Gullfoss. Here you will find the star of the show is Strokkur, a geyser that shoots boiling water up to 30 meters into the air every few minutes. Visitors can witness the power of the Earth’s geothermal forces and marvel at the otherworldly landscape surrounding the geysers.

FAQ’s for Geysir:

1. Do you pay to see Geysir? – If you self-drive, you do NOT have to pay to park at Geysir in Iceland.
2. Is there anything else at Geysir? – There is a nice hotel, cafe and REALLY nice gift shop. I loved Geysir’s gift shop because they had the typical touristy things you’d want to buy to bring home for loved ones, but also had high quality clothes and accessories that I loved.
3. Do you have to walk far to see Strokkur? – No. There is a nicely paved path to see the hot springs an erupting geysir. If you chose, there are further hiking paths that will take you farther up. But the main attractions are an easy walk from the parking lot.

Ways to stay warm in Iceland: Fleece-lined leggings, merino wool socks, and heated gloves.

Main Attractions on the Golden Circle Route in Iceland: Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of great historical significance. Thingvellir is not only home to Iceland’s largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn, but it also holds the Althing, the world’s oldest existing parliament, established in 930 AD. The park’s unique geological features include the Silfra Fissure, where visitors can snorkel or dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Take a stroll through the paths of Thingvellir National Park. Walk between the European and North American tectonic plates—a must-see attraction along the Golden Circle. For those planning their trip, the best time to visit Golden Circle Iceland offers seasonal highlights, with Thingvellir being especially beautiful in both summer’s greenery and winter’s frosty charm. The church with the red roof, Úlfljótsvatnskirkja, is located on Þingvallavatn, but you’ll need to drive south from P1 to see it. If you are self-driving in Iceland, this scenic drive around the lake is a real treat.

FAQ’s about Thingvellir National Park:

1. Do you have to pay to see Thingvellir? – Yes, there is a small parking fee. There is also an exhibit inside the visitor center that you pay extra for, if you want.
2. Which parking lot should I use? – Either one. Some of it depends on what you want to see and how far you want to walk. You can park in P1 and walk to Oxararfoss or, if you don’t want to walk that far, you can park in P1 and park again in P3. You can also use other lots (like P5) and get a different vantage point.
3. Are there bathrooms? – Yes, in the visitor center (along with a gift shop).
4. How do you pay for parking? – Credit Card
5. Is there a lot of walking at Thingvellir? – Only if you wish. You can park in P1 and get a great vantage point of the park and walk the paved path through the tectonic plates. If you wish, you can continue on and walk quite a bit, but you do not have to.

Bonus Stops for a Unique Golden Circle Itinerary using the Golden Circle Iceland Map

Bonus Stop 1: Reykjadalur Hot Springs

If you self-drive the Golden Circle vs book a tour, enjoy a moderate hike leading to natural hot springs. Here, you can soak in a geothermal river—an ideal escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in Iceland’s unspoiled landscapes. For those curious about the best time to visit Golden Circle Iceland, autumn’s cooler days make Reykjadalur Hot Springs especially refreshing. We loved our Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike! This hike is less than 2 miles each way and is a moderate journey, starting with a steep uphill jaunt that levels out soon after. On our chilly, drizzly October day, we hopped into the hot springs and enjoyed the warmth. Just a tip: the farther up you go in the stream, the warmer it gets!

Here is a picture of us hiking out and one in the springs. I loved this experience because it felt more like the true Iceland experience… For instance, the Blue Lagoon was great, we definitely enjoyed our time there, but to immerse yourself in a natural hot spring river, in the middle of a valley without a building in sight, was awesome.

Speaking of no buildings in sight, there are no official changing rooms out there. Only a privacy wall to stand behind.

Here is a parking map for those who self-drive the Golden Circle route in Iceland.

Iceland packing essentials: Waterproof phone pouch so I can take photos in the lagoon or hot springs, a microfiber towel because it’s small and easy to pack, and waterproof backpack for hikes.

Bonus Stop 2: Fridheimar Greenhouse

Furthermore, another favorite stop is Fridheimar Greenhouse. For a unique and delicious detour, consider stopping at Friðheimar Greenhouse, located near the town of Laugarvatn. Here, you can explore a geothermal greenhouse where tomatoes are grown year-round. The onsite restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience, with a menu featuring dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. This is a must stop on my Golden Circle self-drive itinerary in Iceland.

As you may have guessed, their menu is mostly made of tomato base recipes. A popular go-to at Fridheimar is to get their tomato soup. This is a buffet style tomato soup and bread. The bread is AMAZING, by the way. If you’re thirsty, try tomato beer! It is actually quite delicious! Lastly, my favorite part of Fridheimar, is that they keep a basil plant and sheers at every table. I’m a sucker for fresh herbs, so this took the cake.

Bonus Stop 3: Efstidalur Farm

If you wish to eat your ice cream with the cows who provided it, Efsitdalur is your place. This is a place we stopped at after Geysir. As you can see from the Golden Circle map, it’s located in between Geysir and Thingvellir in Iceland. This farm has an adorable ice cream shop with a variety of flavors to chose from. You can sit and enjoy your sweet treat while looking out at the cows who helped produce it. I love this unique concept and the ice cream and coffee make a perfect afternoon treat!

Packing Essentials for the Golden Circle

When exploring the Golden Circle, come prepared! Bring layers, fleece-lined leggings, waterproof gear, and a good-quality backpack. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack smart to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Circle in Iceland

What’s the Best Time to Visit the Golden Circle in Iceland?
The Golden Circle can be visited year-round, though summer offers the best weather and extended daylight. Winter provides a magical atmosphere, especially if you’re prepared for shorter days and potential icy roads.

How Long Does It Take to Drive the Golden Circle?
Driving the Golden Circle in a day is doable, with a typical journey lasting 6-8 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each stop. Use a Golden Circle map to plan your route, and allow extra time if you want to explore bonus stops or scenic viewpoints along the way.

Is There an Entrance Fee for Golden Circle Attractions?
Most sites along the Golden Circle are free, though some have small parking fees. For example, there’s a parking fee at Thingvellir National Park and Kerid Crater. Be sure to bring a credit card, as cash is not always accepted.

Final Tips for a Golden Circle Adventure

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, the Golden Circle has something for everyone. Planning your journey with a well-thought-out Golden Circle stops itinerary and a Golden Circle self-drive itinerary Iceland is key to making the most of this iconic route. For those wondering about the best time to visit Golden Circle Iceland, each season offers unique charms—from lush summer landscapes to the magical winter light. Remember to check the weather, follow your Golden Circle map, and enjoy Iceland’s scenic beauty at every turn!

If you’re wondering where to eat when touring the Golden Circle click on the map below which will bring you to the ultimate article about restaurants along the GC route in Iceland. Also included in the post, is a map detailing where the restaurants and attractions are located on the Golden Circle Route in Iceland.

Want more Iceland? Click on the respective link below to dig in more!