The Golden Circle is a loop route from Reykjavik that covers about 230 kilometers on paved roads. Driving without stops takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and most travellers spend 6 to 8 hours on it as a day trip. With further detours, the route can extend to around 300 kilometers.
What the Golden Circle route covers and how far you travel
The Golden Circle links Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Thingvellir is about 45 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik.
The basic loop from Reykjavik and back is about 230 kilometers on paved roads.
With further detours the route can extend to around 300 kilometers.
Driving the loop without stops takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Most travellers spend 6 to 8 hours completing it as a day trip with sightseeing stops.
Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.
What a guided Golden Circle tour offers
On a small-group Golden Circle tour, a driver-guide handles the navigation and driving and provides commentary about the sites.
Guided day tours of the Golden Circle typically depart from and return to Reykjavik.
The Golden Circle route links Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
The Althing, Iceland's parliament, was founded at Thingvellir in 930.
Thingvellir sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Strokkur erupts roughly every 6 to 10 minutes.
Gullfoss drops in two stages, first 11 meters and then 21 meters, for a total of 32 meters.
What self-driving the Golden Circle involves
Self-driving lets travellers set their own pace and choose which extra stops to add along the route.
The roads on the main Golden Circle route are paved.
The Golden Circle can be visited year round.
The Silfra fissure at Thingvellir is a popular snorkeling and diving site.
Thingvellir National Park became a national park in 1930.
Where to compare Golden Circle tours
You can compare Golden Circle tours to see the current options.
