Golden Circle

Experience mind-blowing natural wonders on this iconic route in Iceland.

South Iceland
Houses at Þingvellir National Park on a cloudy day
Strokkur erupting on a sunny summer day
Houses at Þingvellir National Park on a cloudy day
Strokkur erupting on a sunny summer day
Best time to visit
All year
Open
Every day
Parking
Paid
Charging station
Yes

Get up close to tumbling waterfalls, active geysers, and more on the Golden Circle, Iceland

Iceland’s Golden Circle route is one of the country’s most popular day tours. Starting in Reykjavík, you’ll travel about 250 km (155 mi) around South Iceland. Along the way, you’ll check out the 3 best places to stop on the Golden Circle: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall. 

See where the continents part and Vikings came together

Head for Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was home to the Alþingi, Iceland's Viking-era parliament. From the 10th century, Þingvellir was used as a political gathering place for Icelanders. 

During your visit, you’ll also be wowed by geology in action. The park sits on a rift valley created by the drifting apart of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. At Almannagjá gorge, you can even follow a trail through the valley. 

Or you could go to Silfra fissure, a section of the canyon that’s filled with natural spring water. The crystal-clear visibility has made it a renowned spot for scuba divers. Why not join a guided snorkeling excursion for a thrilling experience? 

Experience Iceland’s geothermal might

Further along the Golden Circle, in Haukadalur valley, you’ll find the great Geysir geothermal area. Although Geysir itself is now dormant, you’ll find the active Strokkur geyser right next to it.

Strokkur usually erupts with a boiling plume of water and steam, around every 10 minutes. So you won’t need to wait long to see this spectacular sight for yourself. 

Discover a legendary, and beautiful, waterfall

Furthest from Reykjavík is Gullfoss waterfall, which makes up the trio of top attractions on the route. Gullfoss – meaning ‘Golden Waterfall’ – is actually what the Golden Circle was named after. 

If you’re lucky with the weather and it’s a sunny day, the golden hue of the water makes it clear how the waterfall got its name. You might even spot rainbows in the spray of the falls. But with its two-tier drop into a gorge that’s 70 m (230 ft) deep, Gullfoss is stunning no matter the weather. 

How to experience the Golden Circle route, Iceland

One of the best ways to explore the Golden Circle is by renting a car. This will give you the freedom to spend as long as you like at each attraction. You’ll also be able to make extra stops along the way. 

If you’d prefer not to drive, you could join a guided excursion from the capital. This lets you sit back, relax, and take in the views. Plus, you’ll learn about the places you visit from your local guide as you go.

Other attractions near the Golden Circle

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Immerse yourself in culture, cuisine, and heritage at the beating heart of the Icelandic capital.

0 km (0 mi)

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Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

Step back in time and see Iceland’s natural and cultural history up close at this major historic site.

48 km (30 mi)

View
The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

Experience the power of nature first-hand when you visit the geothermal areas of Geysir and Strokkur.

106 km (66 mi)

View
The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Explore the pathways and history leading to one of Iceland’s greatest waterfalls.

125 km (78 mi)

View
The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Immerse yourself in culture, cuisine, and heritage at the beating heart of the Icelandic capital.

0 km (0 mi)

View
Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

Step back in time and see Iceland’s natural and cultural history up close at this major historic site.

48 km (30 mi)

View
The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

Experience the power of nature first-hand when you visit the geothermal areas of Geysir and Strokkur.

106 km (66 mi)

View
The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Explore the pathways and history leading to one of Iceland’s greatest waterfalls.

125 km (78 mi)

View

FAQs about the Golden Circle