The Golden Circle is a loop of sights in southwest Iceland, close to Reykjavik, that can be driven in a day. The full loop is a comfortable day trip, leaving time at each stop.
The three main stops
Its main stops are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. Thingvellir is where the tectonic plates meet and where Iceland's old assembly was held. At the Geysir area, the hot spring Strokkur erupts regularly.
The order and the driving
The loop is often driven from Reykjavik out to Thingvellir, then Geysir, then Gullfoss waterfall, and back. Gullfoss is a large two-step waterfall on the Hvita river and is the usual far point of the loop.
Extra stops on the way
Common extra stops include the Kerid crater, the Secret Lagoon, and the tomato farm at Fridheimar.
Planning the day and Golden Circle tours
The route can be driven independently or joined as a guided tour, such as a classic small-group Golden Circle option. You can compare Golden Circle tours to see the current options.
Price the route
Use the Fuel Cost Calculator before setting out to estimate fuel spending for an itinerary that includes Golden Circle Itinerary: Route and Main Stops.
