Iceland, a land of fire and ice, offers a myriad of awesome routes for tourists to explore attractions, but none as well known as the Golden Circle. This popular tourist route is easily accessible from Reykjavik, and it encapsulates the raw beauty and geological marvels of Iceland.
In this comprehensive guide, I will take you through the classic stops of the Golden Circle – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring, and Gullfoss Waterfall – and share insights on additional stops that will transform your journey into an unforgettable adventure.
Tip: If you were only to do the three main stops, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs, Gulfoss as a round trip adventure that started and ended in Reykjavík, it will be about 3 hours and 27 minutes of driving without traffic or 233 kilometers (145 miles) according to Google Maps.
Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland
Before I jump in, I am excited to share that I have created a form where my listeners and followers can submit questions for the “Ask Jewells About Iceland” podcast episodes I plan to do. Here is the link to submit your question. It is a super simple form that only asks for your question and first name to submit. I will create a separate podcast episode to answer the questions submitted. It’s basically an ask me anything segment that I decided to start in 2024.
Thingvellir National Park: Where History and Geology Converge
If you are traveling from the Reykjavík area or the West part of the country, your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This isn’t just a place of outstanding natural beauty; it’s a cornerstone of Icelandic culture and history. Here, the Althing, the world’s oldest functioning parliament, was established in 930 AD. As you walk through the park, you’re literally strolling between continents; the park lies in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
The sight of the vast, rugged landscape stretching out before you is awe-inspiring. In one part of the park is the gorgeous öxarárfoss waterfall. You can easily walk to it and other parts of the park, but there is also the option to drive to different points.
Please know that you are expected to pay for parking at the main parking lot, which is where the information center is located. If you do not pay, you will likely get a fine that your rental car company will bill you for.
Tip: Don’t miss the Silfra fissure, known for its crystal-clear waters and popular for snorkeling and diving.
Geysir Hot Spring Area: A Geothermal Marvel
Next on the list of the main stops is the Geysir Hot Spring Area. Home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 8-10 minutes, shooting a column of water up to 30 meters in the air, this geothermal area is a testament to Iceland’s volcanic activity.
The ground is alive here, with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and the smell of sulfur in the air. The area is named Geysir because the hot spring Geysir used to shoot water into the air too but it is now dormant.
Fun Fact: The English word “geyser” derives from Geysir, the name of an old geyser in the area.
Gullfoss Waterfall: The Golden Falls
The crown jewel of the Golden Circle is undoubtedly Gullfoss Waterfall. Known as the ‘Golden Falls’, this stunning two-tiered waterfall thunders into a deep canyon, creating a mist that often produces beautiful rainbows, adding to its ethereal beauty.
The power and grandeur of Gullfoss are mesmerizing, and the story of its conservation is equally compelling, epitomizing Icelanders’ respect for their natural environment. During summer, there is a trail that runs alongside the falls that allows you to get a closer vantage point and feel the power the waterfall rumbling beneath you. During winter, this path is often roped off because it can be icy and dangerous to walk on.
Photo Tip: Capture the falls from various viewpoints to appreciate their full majesty.
Enhancing the Golden Circle Experience With Additional Stops
While the main attractions are spectacular, there are numerous additional stops along the Golden Circle that can enrich your journey. Please note that I am not saying you need to do all of these additional stops but I think it is helpful to feature some that might interest you. Feel free to pick and choose the locations you want to add to your itinerary.
Natural Attractions
Brúarfoss Waterfall
Brúarfoss Waterfall is a hidden gem with its brilliant blue waters and fairy-tale-like surroundings. The great thing is that the parking lot for this area has change and it now only takes about 5 minutes to walk to the waterfall. It used to be about 1.5 hours one way, which was not convenient for most people.
Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater, with its striking red volcanic rock and a deep blue lake at its bottom, is a geological wonder. The crater is believed to be around 3,000 years old, and the contrast of colors here is simply stunning.
Geothermal Pools to Bath in Along the Golden Circle Route
Fontana Spa and Geothermal Bakery
Relax at Fontana Spa, where you can enjoy geothermal baths and a unique Icelandic tradition of baking rye bread in the ground. The spa is in Laugarvatn, and it’s a perfect place to unwind and soak in the geothermal waters while enjoying the scenic views. The same people that run the spa have the geothermal bakery, where you can eat fresh Icelandic rye bread that was baked in the ground using geothermal energy.
Hrunalaug Geothermal Hot Pools
Off the beaten path, Hrunalaug offers a more private and rustic hot spring experience. These small, natural pools are a great spot to relax and soak in the Icelandic wilderness. The owners of these pools regulate how many people can enter to keep it from getting too crowded and every visitor gets 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy the pools. Please note that there are no showers here and the changing facility is an old turf house. It is truly a more authentic geothermal bathing experience.
The Secret Lagoon
Another must-visit geothermal pool is the Secret Lagoon. Located in Fludir, it’s one of the oldest natural geothermal pools in Iceland, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience than the famous Blue Lagoon. While it is named the Secret Lagoon, it is definitely not a secret any longer. Like other places along the Golden Circle, many people visit it throughout the year, especially during summer.
Fun Food Places
Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse and Restaurant
Friðheimar is an innovative greenhouse cultivation center. Here, you can learn about the magic of growing delicious tomatoes using geothermal heat. The on-site restaurant, set amidst the greenhouses, offers fresh tomato-based dishes, making it a delightful gastronomic experience.
It’s warm in there, smells amazing, and the food is delicious. If you do plan to come here, I highly recommend making a reservation way in advance. Spots for this restaurant fill up quickly in every season.
Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant
For a unique dining experience, Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant offers a taste of Ethiopia in the countryside of Iceland. It’s a great way to add some culinary diversity to your trip. I have eaten there and it was delicious.
The owners are an Ethiopian woman and her Icelandic husband. She is cooking the food and he is the host that seats everyone, as well as takes their orders. Ninty percent of the restaurant is decorated with items from Ethiopia.
Practical Tips for Your Golden Circle Adventure
- Best Time to Visit: While the Golden Circle can be visited year-round, the summer months offer longer daylight hours and milder weather.
- Transportation: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Guided tours are also available. However, this is a very easy route to drive any time of the year and can be done as a day trip. Of course, your daylight hours will dedicate how much you see but a day tour during winter is still very much doable.
Best Local Icelandic Rental Car Company for Your Golden Circle Adventure
Go Car Rental Iceland
If you plan to explore Iceland on your own when you visit, I highly recommend using Go Car Rental Iceland. They are a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.
I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.
Go Campers
If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that.
What to Pack and Wear in Iceland
- Clothing: Dressing in layers is key in Iceland. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared with waterproof and windproof outerwear.
- Footwear: Good walking or hiking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main sites.
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera and extra batteries. The scenic vistas are breathtaking and you’ll want to capture every moment.
- Snacks and Water: While there are places to eat along the route, it’s wise to carry some snacks and water, especially if you’re venturing off the main path.
If you are not sure what to pack, you can get my free packing checklist for Iceland that provides the essentials, and some extras, that you can pack for winter and summer.
Managing Your Time Exploring the Golden Circle Route in Iceland
- Allocate Enough Time: To fully enjoy the Golden Circle and its additional stops, consider dedicating a full day. This allows you to explore without rushing and enjoy the sites at a leisurely pace. Also, you can stay overnight in the area, especially if you plan to head south in the next day.
- Early Start: Begin your journey early to avoid the crowds, especially at the main attractions like Gullfoss and Geysir.
Cultural Respect and Environmental Awareness
- Leave No Trace: Always respect the natural environment. Stay on marked paths, take your rubbish with you, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Cultural Sensitivity: When visiting local establishments, respect the local culture and traditions. This includes being courteous and asking permission before taking photos of people.
Experiencing Iceland Beyond the Golden Circle
While the Golden Circle offers a fantastic snapshot of what Iceland has to offer, the country has much more to explore. From the black sand beaches of Vik to the stunning fjords in the Westfjords, each region of Iceland has its unique charm and attractions. Don’t hesitate to extend your Icelandic adventure beyond the Golden Circle.
Iceland Trip Planning Resources
I’ve received many amazing emails from listeners of the podcast and followers on social media asking me for my advice on what to do in Iceland. Due to the high demand for this information, I created some resources. All of the ones I will talk about are available through the tab at the top of this page called “Trip Planning Help”. Click on that and you will find links to everything I am about to share.
Video Trip Consultations with Me
One of the resources is that if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link. After you fill out a survey and pick a time that is available for both of us, we do a one-hour video chat via Google Meet.
During this time, we chat about your interest, parts of the country you want to visit, how to get the most out of your time, helpful information to know about Iceland before coming, and any questions that you have. I have done over 100 of these calls since I first announced them and I always feel delighted when I hear at the end of the call that people feel even more excited about their upcoming trip because of the consultation.
My Iceland Map to Plan Your Own Adventure
Another great resource is to grab full access to my Iceland map. This map was created for those who want to pick out places and hidden gems around Iceland to make up their own itinerary or add to one that they already created.
With full access, you get over 260 places that I recommend in Iceland, along with four itineraries to use for planning your trip. Those itineraries include a 10-day Ring Road trip, a 3-day South Iceland trip, The Famous Golden Circle and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day Trip.
A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access, which includes any updates I make to the map.
Here is a link to my Iceland map: rexby.com/jewells/Iceland.
Random Fact of the Episode
Drekkingarhylur pool or drowning pool. It is a deep pool near the bridge in Almannagjá, the narrow valley you walk through when you enter the area from the main parking lot, was a place where people were executed. Until the early 18th century, women in Iceland who were found guilty of crimes such as adultery, incest and murdering infants were tied in sacks and drowned there.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Gullni hringurinn – The Golden Circle
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