The Golden Circle is a round trip that starts and ends in Reykjavik.

How the Golden Circle fits into a single day

The three main stops are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. The Golden Circle can be visited all year round.

Thingvellir is about 48 km from Reykjavik, about a 45 minute drive. The Geysir geothermal area is about 60 km from Thingvellir, about a 1 hour drive. Gullfoss is about 10 km from the Geysir geothermal area, about a 10 minute drive. Reykjavik is about 117 km from Gullfoss, about a 1 hour 50 minute drive back.

The main roads on the route are regularly serviced and generally easy to drive in both summer and winter. A 4x4 is not required.

Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.

Winter driving conditions can occur in spring and autumn as well as winter. Drivers should choose a speed that suits the conditions. Travellers should check the weather and road conditions before setting out.

Starting at Thingvellir National Park

The name Thingvellir means Assembly Plains. The Althing, Iceland's general assembly, was established at Thingvellir around 930 and met there until 1798. Thingvellir became a national park in 1928 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.

Thingvellir National Park lies on the tectonic plate boundary of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Almannagja is the largest rift in the park and its focal point. The Silfra fissure lies between the North American plate and the Hreppar microplate. No one may enter Silfra alone.

The river Oxara forms the Oxararfoss waterfall where it enters Almannagja. Thingvallavatn is Iceland's largest natural lake.

The national park is open around the clock with no entrance fee, but there is a parking fee.

Watching Strokkur in the Geysir geothermal area

The English word geyser comes from the Icelandic word geysir, which means gusher. Strokkur is the main geyser erupting in the area today and erupts every few minutes. Strokkur's eruptions can reach as high as 30 metres.

The Great Geysir now erupts only rarely. The area also has bubbling mud pots and steam vents.

Visitors should stick to marked paths and stay on the upwind side. The Geysir area is a protected natural monument with rangers on site all year.

Standing above Gullfoss waterfall

Gullfoss is on the river Hvita.

The river Hvita plunges into a deep canyon in two stages. The upper fall at Gullfoss drops 11 metres.

The trails to the lower viewing platforms at Gullfoss are sometimes closed in winter because of ice and snow. Sigridur Tomasdottir of Brattholt fought to protect Gullfoss from hydropower development. Gullfoss and its canyon are a protected nature reserve.

Optional detours if you have time to spare

The volcanic crater Kerid and the historic bishop's see Skalholt are common additions to the Golden Circle. Laugarvatn lies midway between Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir.

Comparing golden circle tours and self-drive options

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