Iceland’s Golden Circle

Nestled in the heart of Iceland, the Golden Circle is a renowned tourist route that includes some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders and one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls. This scenic route is a must-visit for those seeking to witness the raw beauty of Iceland’s landscapes, from powerful waterfalls to geothermal wonders and historic sites and churches. In this blog post, we will explore the Golden Circle sights and give you guidance on how to do Iceland’s Golden Circle in a day. Furthermore, I have include an easy to follow map of the Golden Circle route in Iceland. This map is helpful for those wishing to self-drive Iceland.

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Map of the Golden Circle Route in Iceland

Because a map is so helpful, especially those who self-drive, here is a driving map of the Golden Circle route in Iceland, along with some of the main sights and popular attractions.

How to do the Golden Circle

There are two main ways travelers do the Golden Circle route in Iceland, rent a car and follow the map or book a tour. 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 from the Golden Circle Route.

Renting a Car for Golden Circle Route in Iceland

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.

I do, however, see why people book a tour along Iceland’s Golden Circle route. 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. 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

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 Golden Circle Sights: 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. 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 Golden Circle Sights: 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.

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 Golden Circle Sights: 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.

Popular Golden Circle Sights: 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 in between the European and North American tectonic plates. The picture below of the church with the red roof is Úlfljótsvatnskirkja. This is on Þingvallavatn, but you have to drive south from P1 to see it. If you are self-driving in Iceland, this is a beautiful drive around the lake.

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.

Driving the west side of Þingvallavatn. We had to stop for a photo of this cool road.

Pictured on the Golden Circle Map of Iceland – Bonus Stops:

Bonus Stop 1: Reykjadalur Hot Springs

We loved our Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike! This hike is less than 2 miles each way and I would say it’s more of a moderate hike. It starts with a big up hill jaunt, after that, it isn’t too bad. We ended up going on a chilly and drizzly day in October. Once we got to the hot springs, we hopped in a enjoyed our time. **Hint… The farther up you go, the warmer it is.

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

Another favorite stop, 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.

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!

The Golden Circle is a journey through Iceland’s natural and historical wonders, providing an unforgettable experience for travelers. From the historical significance of Thingvellir National Park to the geothermal wonders of the Geysir Geothermal Area and the awe-inspiring beauty of Gullfoss Waterfall, each stop on the Golden Circle offers a unique perspective on Iceland’s diverse and captivating landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking adventure, the Golden Circle has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in the Land of Fire and Ice.

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.

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