Iceland is truly a mesmerizing country, offering unparalleled beauty and picturesque landscapes. Among its many wonders, the Golden Circle stands out as a unique and captivating tourist circuit, boasting three distinct attractions. Taking a ride along the Golden Circle will expose you to one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, the spectacle of erupting geysers, and the humbling experience of walking along the edge of a massive tectonic plate. So, get ready to learn everything you need to know before you go to these Golden Circle hotspots. And as a bonus, I’ll unveil a real hidden gem that will make your trip truly unforgettable!
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How to Get to the Golden Circle
To get to Iceland’s Golden Circle, you can either rent a car or take a tour. Driving yourself is a great option in summer because the roads are easily navigable as long as the weather is good. Just be sure to check the Iceland weather report here before you go because storms and high winds can still make summertime driving a challenge.
With a little preparation though, you will be ready to navigate the Golden Circle independently and on your own time schedule. The best part is that rental cars can be quite affordable if you know where to look. You can search for affordable car rentals here.
The Golden Circle is made up of just 3 stops, however, in the list below, I will include a lunch stop and an optional attraction that will really enrich your visit.
However, if you prefer not to drive or don’t want to risk driving in the winter, you can take a Golden Circle tour. Most tours depart from Reykjavik and are a nice, relaxing way to take in the lovely sights of the Golden Circle. You can check for current Golden Circle tour prices and availability here.
How long does the Golden Circle take?
To fully experience Iceland’s Golden Circle, allocate approximately 7-8 hours. This includes 3 hours of driving time, 1 hour to explore each of the three major sights, and an hour for lunch.
The Top Things To Do on the Golden Circle
1. Thingvellir National Park
Situated a mere 50 minutes or about 50 km from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park is nestled within a breathtaking valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here, you can embark on a fascinating walk along the edge of the North American tectonic plate. The North American plate is highly active, moving 2.5 centimeters every year, resulting in daily earthquakes. But fear not because these tremors are too mild for humans to feel. Instead, prepare to be captivated by the expansive views of the valley and Iceland’s largest lake.
While entry to Thingvellir National Park is free, a small parking fee is applicable if you choose to drive.
2. Geysir Geothermal Pools
Located 50 km away from Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Hot Springs offer a truly mesmerizing experience. With temperatures ranging from 80°C to 100°C (176°F to 212°F), these hot springs are not ideal for lounging. However, witnessing the bubbling and boiling pools is a fascinating sight in itself.
The most famous geyser in the area is Strokkur. Erupting every 5-8 minutes, Strokkur surprises visitors with its loud and unexpected bursts of water. You can witness one of these eruptions for yourself in our full Golden Circle travel guide video below!
Watching these eruptions is definitely an exciting experience that you won’t soon forget!
3. Gullfoss Waterfall
A short 10-minute drive from Geysir Hot Springs lies Gullfoss Waterfall, also known as the Golden Waterfall. This breathtaking waterfall lends its name to the Golden Circle, and once you witness its immense power and beauty, you’ll understand why. Prepare to be awestruck!
At Gullfoss, exploring the different viewing platforms is a must. While the top platform offers a splendid view of the entire waterfall, descending the stairs brings you closer, allowing you to feel the mist and truly appreciate the grandeur of this multi-leveled marvel. It’s an impressive sight and will undoubtedly be a highlight of your Golden Circle experience.
4. Fridheimar
One hidden gem along the Golden Circle is Friðheimar Farm. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the cultivation of sweet and delicious cherry tomatoes in a greenhouse. The farm utilizes volcanic water for heating the facility and green geothermal electricity to simulate sunlight, enabling the growth of high-quality produce despite Iceland’s harsh weather conditions.
After a brief stroll through the greenhouse, indulge in unlimited tomato soup and artisan bread for lunch. The bread, in particular, stands out as some of the best we’ve had in the world. Plus, if you’re fond of trying unique beers, you’ll even find a tomato IPA on tap. Surprisingly, the tomato beer doesn’t taste anything like tomatoes, which is probably for the best! Nonetheless, our experience at Friðheimar was thoroughly enjoyable and definitely worth doing!
In addition to the remarkable horticultural experience, Friðheimar also offers an Icelandic horse show that is truly eye-opening. The Icelandic horse is the only horse breed capable of running so smoothly that you can hold a beer without spilling a drop. Witnessing these horses in motion is a remarkable sight, and you might even get the chance to meet them after the show. If the horse show piques your interest, don’t hesitate to contact Friðheimar here to schedule it.
5. Kerid Crater
Located approximately 56 km south of Gullfoss, Kerid Crater is a volcano crater often included as an add-on for those completing the Golden Circle. It is believed that Kerid was once a cone volcano but collapsed in on itself over 2000 years ago, forming the impressive crater we see today.
What sets this crater apart is the striking contrast between the red-colored soil, lush green vegetation, and the blue crater lake. The harmonious blend of rainbow colors adds another layer of variety to your Golden Circle adventure.
Unlike other attractions on the Golden Circle, Kerid Crater does require a small entrance fee of 400 krona or $3 USD.
Discover even more Iceland activities below!
Where to Stay on the Golden Circle
Most travelers embarking on the Golden Circle opt to stay in Reykjavik and take a day trip from the capital. However, if you plan to continue your journey further south along Iceland’s Ring Road, spending the night at LandHotel is a great choice. This relatively new hotel, built in 2020, boasts lovely decor and serves as the perfect midpoint between the Golden Circle and the other popular sights in Vik in the South of Iceland. Remember to book your accommodations in advance, as options are limited and tend to fill up quickly. You can find the best hotel options here!
Is the Golden Circle Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Each stop along the Golden Circle offers a remarkable and unique experience, making it a must-see attraction. The natural wonders, from erupting geysers to powerful waterfalls, will leave you breathless and add to the adventure of exploring Iceland.
Now that you’re acquainted with the wonders of the Golden Circle, delve deeper into Iceland’s fabulous sights below!
Leaving for Iceland soon? Use these resources to book your trip!
- Scan for the cheapest flights here!
- Book a cheap car rental here
- Explore other Iceland tour options here
- Get $3 off your Iceland eSim with the discount code KENDRA8438 here.
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