Welcome to our Iceland Golden Circle Itinerary with a detailed Golden Circle route map!
Iceland is absolutely beautiful and a must-visit destination. Few places in the world offer such diverse and untouched natural wonders as Iceland. From the most powerful cascades to black sand beaches, the island’s raw beauty captivates visitors at every turn. The volcanic activity beneath the surface creates stunning geothermal areas and natural hot springs where you can soak while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The Iceland Golden Circle is a famous scenic route in Iceland. The Golden Circle is a well-maintained, easily accessible sightseeing route with many major attractions along the way. It is located in Southwestern Iceland, as a loop route that covers about 300 km, which is usually done as a one-day itinerary. It is perfect for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the country’s stunning natural wonders as a day trip from Reykjavik. And of course, if you are visiting Iceland for a longer period, the Iceland Golden Circle must be included in your full Iceland Itinerary.
In our Iceland Golden Circle Itinerary, we will cover all the main attractions along the Golden Circle Route. We’ve added a detailed map of our itinerary to ease your travel planning. We did a self-drive tour of the Golden Circle, as did the rest of our Iceland itinerary, but if you are not renting a car and seeking a guided tour of the Golden Circle from Reykjavik, check out the following organized tours:
Note that all photography in this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina), and if you wish to purchase any, some are available at my Etsy shop.
For more Itineraries and travel guides, visit our Destinations page.
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Iceland Golden Circle Route Map
You can see the attractions along the route in our Iceland Golden Circle route map above. Now, let’s dig into each attraction.
Iceland Golden Circle Itinerary
Our Iceland Golden Circle Itinerary begins in Reykjavik, and the first stop along our route is the unique Thingvellir National Park.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological and historical significance. The park features dramatic rift valleys, waterfalls, and lava fields, offering great hiking opportunities. The Thingvellir National Park area is part of the Atlantic Ocean ridge that runs through Iceland. Visitors can observe the erosion in the gorges and cracks throughout the park and even snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in the crystal-clear glacial water at the Silfra Fissure. Historically, Þingvellir was the site of Iceland’s first parliament, Alþingi, which was founded in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world.
Thingvellir National Park is large, featuring several parking lots and numerous hiking trails. We selected two of the best areas to explore, using two different parking lots to make the most of our time, as shown on the left map. Alternatively, you can combine both areas into a single long hike starting from the main parking lot P1, shown on the right map. The trail, Öxarárfoss Waterfall via Almannagjá Trail, is a moderate difficulty 4.8-km loop trail with 253 meters of gain that usually takes around 2 hours to complete. Parking requires payment through a code that you can scan and pay using your smartphone, costing 1,000 ISK. (Note that if you do not pay, you will be fined)
By combining the trails, we saved time, as it took around an hour and 15 minutes to complete both. Now, let’s review each part:
Viewpoint near the Visitor Center
The first area we explored was the viewpoint area near the Visitor Center near parking P1 (do not forget to pay the 1000 ISK!). There is a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and free public toilets. We walked up to the beautiful viewpoint overlooking Thingvallavatn Lake.
After enjoying the view, we took a short hike along a part of the trail, walking through the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We reached another viewpoint before turning back. The entire experience took us about 20 minutes to complete.
Oxararfoss Trail
The second part we did was the Oxararfoss Trail, an easy 1.9-km out-and-back trail which took us 50 minutes to complete. We parked in lot P3, which is free of charge. The trail starts with an exceptionally stunning rift between the walls, a location featured in the Game of Thrones series.
Oxararfoss Waterfall is the highlight of Thingvellir National Park, and it is not to be missed.
Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss, often referred to as “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall,” is an incredible stop along the Iceland Golden Circle route and a less busy one. Although it is a small waterfall, it is a stunning hidden gem as it is exceptionally photogenic and definitely worth a visit. The vibrant turquoise water flowing through the rugged volcanic landscape creates a unique sight.
Parking is available for a fee (750 ISK on the Parka App), and there is a 5-minute drive along a gravel road to reach the parking lot. From the parking area, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the waterfall itself. We spent about 20 minutes exploring the area. You can walk down to the waterfall, but the view from the bridge is breathtaking.
Geysir
The Geysir Geothermal Area is home to bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and powerful geysers. While the original Great Geysir is mostly dormant today, the smaller Strokkur geyser is the highlight of Geysir, and it erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water 15-20 meters into the air. This is a unique attraction in Iceland as it is one of the best places in Iceland to witness geothermal activity up close, and it is not to be missed.
The parking is paid (1000 ISK), located near the visitor center and restaurants, and it is about a 10-minute walk up Strokkur Geyser. A closer parking lot is under construction, so be alert for any signs for it.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss, which means “The Golden Falls,” is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland. The Hvita River cascades down 32 meters into a rugged canyon, forming a dramatic two-tiered waterfall. This spectacular sight is a must-see on any itinerary for Iceland. There are several viewing platforms at different levels, each offering unique perspectives of the falls. We highly recommend getting close to the base of the waterfall to truly experience its roaring power. It took us approximately 40 minutes to explore the area.
Near the parking lot, there is a large visitor center that includes a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a gift shop, as well as toilets. The parking is surprisingly free. Gullfoss was the highlight of our Golden Circle trip in Iceland, but due to its popularity, it was quite busy.
In case you have more time, consider this unique experience, especially for the thrill seekers. A Snowmobile Tour that goes from Gullfoss towards the Highlands on top of Langjökull Glacier, one of Iceland’s largest glaciers:
Faxafoss
Faxafoss is a less popular waterfall, which makes it less crowded along the busy Golden Circle. There is a viewing platform near the parking lot, and you can also walk down to the base of the waterfall to get a closer look, or take your car down there. We were quite surprised by how big it is, a nice quiet spot. The parking is paid, 700 ISK at the gate, and there are toilets.
Kerid Crater
Kerid Crater is a stunning volcanic crater filled with a blue-green lake, it is about 3,000 years old. Unlike an impact crater, Kerid Crater was formed when a magma chamber emptied and collapsed inward, leaving behind this bowl-shaped caldera. The red volcanic rock contrasts beautifully with the water in the lake.
You can walk along the rim of the crater, which might take around half an hour, and there is an option to walk down the stairs towards the lake. The parking lot is right next to the crater. The parking is free, however, there is an entrance fee of 600 ISK per person, which you can pay at the site or book online.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
Reykjadalur, meaning “Steam Valley,” is a stunning geothermal area where visitors can soak in naturally warm waters while surrounded by picturesque hilly landscapes. Unlike artificial spas, this is a completely natural geothermal river, making it a unique and peaceful spot to relax. When you reach the bathing section, there are wooden platforms and changing screens for privacy.
Note that there is a long hike from the parking lot to the hot springs area. It is a 9.2-km out-and-back moderate difficulty trail with 387 meters of elevation gain that will take around 3 hours to complete. It is a very popular spot despite the long hike. The parking is free. Do not forget a towel and a bathing suit. If you are not comfortable doing a long, strenuous hike alone, there is an option to take a private hiking tour.
If you are into spas, consider including Laugarvatn Fontana Spa in your Golden Circle itinerary. The spa offers a wide variety of pools, saunas, and steam rooms. For the adventurous, there’s also the option to take a cold plunge in the nearby lake. Additionally, you can participate in a unique Geothermal Bread-Baking Experience, where traditional bread is baked in hot volcanic sand right next to the spa.
Where to stay near the Iceland Golden Circle
The most convenient location to stay near the Iceland Golden Circle is in Reykjavik or near the airport at Keflavik. We stayed at 2 hotels, and we enjoyed them both.
Skuggi Hotel in Reykjavik
In Reykjavik, we chose to stay at Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels and had a wonderful experience! This 3-star hotel is conveniently located in the center of Reykjavik, within walking distance of shopping streets and all the city’s attractions.
We booked the Standard Double Room and stayed on the top floor, which had its own big balcony area offering views of the city, a great positive. The bathroom is nicely sized, and the whole room was well-decorated with a modern feel. The breakfast was fantastic, we especially loved the waffle station. Additionally, the hotel offers free garage parking, which is a rare find in the city center and was a significant bonus for us.
Konvin Hotel in Keflavik
We stayed at the Konvin Hotel – Keflavik Airport and absolutely loved it! It is a 4-star hotel with a clean, modern design. We booked a double room, and it was luxurious, very spacious, and well-maintained. The breakfast provided was abundant and tasty. Additionally, the proximity to the airport and fair pricing were definite bonuses. It’s a great option for staying before or after a flight.
We visited during a volcanic eruption at the Sundhnúkur Crater on the Reykjanes Peninsula in August 2024, which occurred just as we were landing! The staff kindly arranged for us to have a room with an amazing view of the eruption.
Lunch along the Golden Circle Route
There are several lunch options on this scenic day along the Golden Circle route. The most popular choice is Friðheimar, which grows its own tomatoes and features dishes made with them. However, due to its popularity, it can be fully booked weeks in advance, so it’s essential to make a reservation as early as possible.
Mika Restaurant
Right nearby Friðheimar, there is this lovely restaurant that we greatly enjoyed. Every dish we ordered was incredibly tasty. We had scallops, a delicious langoustine soup that was very creamy, and it came with tasty garlic bread. Also, we had fried langoustines that came with a special white chocolate and chili sauce and a dish of langoustine tortelloni. The prices were reasonable for the quality of the food, and the service was excellent. We recommend making a reservation online ahead of time to ensure a spot.
More Iceland related Blog posts to explore:
Well, that is it! We hope our Iceland Golden Circle Itinerary helps you plan your trip along the Golden Circle Route.
