What is the Golden Circle, and how to drive the most simple version
The Golden Circle is a term or description of one of Iceland's most popular tourist routes or day tours. The drive is based on three natural wonders not far from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. It is an incredible day tour drive and easy for anyone to drive if you rent a car in summer (but more difficult in winter as road conditions and weather can be challenging). Most of the time, the tour starts and ends in Reykjavík and is driven in a day.
The first stop is usually at Þingvellir, which is a sacred place in Iceland where Almannagjá fissure and Öxarárfoss waterfall play a significant role. Þingvellir also has profound historical meaning in Iceland as it was the meeting place for Alþingi, the oldest parliament in history. Secondly, there is Geysir, the hot spring area where the geyser Strokkur erupts every ten or fifteen minutes. Thirdly and most importantly, the Gullfoss waterfall is the most impressive waterfall in Iceland. It is a waterfall that is often mentioned on lists of the top ten most fascinating waterfalls in Europe and even on the planet.
The distance from Reykjavík through the town Mosfellsbær and Road Nr. 36 to Gullfoss via Þingvellir and Geysir is approximately 120 kilometers or 75 miles.
How to self-drive the Golden Circle?
Tourism in Iceland has exploded in recent years, as has the Golden Circle drive. Sometimes, during summer, the road is packed with buses and rental cars, as are the parking lots of the three natural wonders. Usually, the buses depart from Reykjavík between eight and nine in the morning and arrive at the three natural wonders at a similar time. For many reasons, this is a very convenient time to start and drive the tour as it fits well with lunchtime at Geysir or Gullfoss.
Selfdrive advantages
If you are not intimidated by crowds, you should start at the same time; otherwise, start your tour early in the summer, around 6 AM or 6:30 AM. Stopping at any of the three attractions takes about half an hour to 60 minutes. The road is asphalt and easy to drive in any car, small or large. It is a two-way lane, so keep in mind that the road is narrow but reasonably easy to drive in summer. The exception is in winter when the weather is sometimes quite harsh, and the road from Reykjavík to Þingvellir is either closed or very slippery and challenging to drive. You should always check the weather and road conditions when traveling in winter. You should also consider the time of year and season when planning a trip to Iceland, as there is a considerable difference between seasons. Here, you can read about the best time or season to visit Iceland.
Why drive the Golden Circle?
Geology on the Golden Circle
All of the three attractions on the Golden Circle route are more than worth visiting. Þingvellir is one of a handful of places in Iceland where you can see the North Atlantic rift zone that stretches from the south pole up through the Atlantic Ocean through the island Iceland. When you are in the fissure Almannagjá, you are between the European and American tectonic plates and at the spot where they drift apart. It is a rare opportunity to sense the large geological forces.
History related to the Golden Circle
If you have a passion for history, Þingvellir will surely captivate you. This remarkable place in Iceland holds a deep significance, having played a vital role in the country’s legal and judicial processes for centuries. It's moving to think that it was here, in the year 1000, that the people of Iceland made the profound decision to abandon paganism and embrace Christianity.
Then there's Geysir, one of the world’s most famous hot springs. It’s fascinating how the term “geyser” actually originates from this remarkable natural feature, which is the elder sibling to the still-active Strokkur. Watching it erupt is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Gullfoss, with its breathtaking beauty, is recognized as one of the most stunning waterfalls on our planet. It remains a wonder throughout all seasons, inviting visitors in summer, winter, autumn, and spring. The distinct charm of each season adds to its allure, making it an enchanting destination no matter when you visit.
With such incredible natural wonders and accessible beauty year-round, it’s understandable why this route is cherished by so many. It’s an experience that resonates deeply with anyone who takes the time to explore it.
Is the Golden Circle a circle?
After your visit to Gullfoss, you might be wondering where to head next on your journey. It’s understandable to want to explore as much as you can, especially after a beautiful morning of discovering nature’s wonders. If you set off around eight in the morning, you’re likely wrapping up your sightseeing and enjoying a leisurely lunch by around 1 PM.
While driving back to Reykjavík might seem like a straightforward option, it’s worth considering a route that keeps the spirit of adventure alive. Instead of retracing your steps, let’s explore a more exciting path that will help you make the most of your day.
As you leave Gullfoss, you can take Road 35, known as Biskupstungnabraut. After about 6 kilometers (or roughly 4 miles), you’ll want to take a left onto Road 30, Skeiða- and Hrunamannavegur. A short drive later, you’ll come across a beautiful bridge spanning the river Hvítá, or White River. This is the very river that you marveled at while at Gullfoss. Just a little further is a lovely spot called Brúárhlöð. It’s definitely worth pulling over at the parking area on the east side to take in the breathtaking sight of the canyon shaped by the river over millions of years.
After soaking in the views at Brúárhlöð, continue on Road 30 to the charming hamlet of Flúðir, about 20 kilometers (or 13 miles) south. Here, you can unwind at Gamla laugin, the old geothermal pool. It’s a lovely spot to relax, and you can treat yourself to snacks and refreshments, while also finding a place to freshen up. Take your time to enjoy this peaceful escape—it’s all part of your unique journey!
Drive from the Golden Circle in Iceland to Seljalandsfoss waterfall - A Golden Circle Bonus
From Flúðir hamlet, you continue south on Road 30 Skeiða- and Hrunamannavegur and drive 30 kilometers or 19 miles to Road 1, the Ring Road in Iceland. The drive is quite scenic, and if the day is bright, you will have a good view of both the Hekla volcano and the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano on the east side of the road. When you reach the intersection at Road 1, you take a left turn to the east and drive the 54 kilometers or 34 miles to the intersection of Road 1 to Road 249 Þórsmerkurvegur. You drive less than one kilometer to reach the parking lot for Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The waterfall is one of the most visited natural wonders and attractions in Iceland, and for a reason. It is not only a beautiful waterfall but also a waterfall that you can walk behind. It is indeed a spectacular experience and a relatively easy walk. In winter, though, you need to remember that the path behind the waterfall is quite slippery. If you are not in a great hurry to go back to Reykjavík, another spectacular waterfall, Gljúfrabúi, is within walking distance of Seljalandsfoss. It is a waterfall inside a gorge or a cave.
The drive back to Reykjavík
Heading back after an eventful day, you take the Ring Road Nr. 1 to the west to Reykjavík. You are most likely in the afternoon, and most people are a bit tired after all the stops and viewing of natural wonders and attractions. You should not underestimate the energy it takes for an average person. The drive back to Reykjavík is 130 kilometers or 80 miles. Along the way, you drive through four small towns and villages, Hvolsvöllur, Hella, Selfoss, and Hveragerði on the Ring Road Nr. 1. All of the towns have restaurants and convenient stores so you can quickly stop for snacks and restrooms along the way. If you drive back to Reykavík, you will have the opportunity to dine at some of the spectacular restaurants you find in Reykavík city center and hit the sack for a convenient, good night's sleep at some of the many great hotels in the city.
My recommendation for the Golden Circle drive
As we recommend here, the whole drive is 370 kilometers or 230 miles. In comparison, the drive back and forth from Reykjavík to Gullfoss waterfall is 240 kilometers or 150 miles. The trip shouldn't take more than 9 to 10 hours, even at a slow pace. There are plenty of places and opportunities along the way for restroom stops and food, and if the skies are reasonably clear, it is also a beautiful scenic drive.
What more to do than the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle drive is a great way to view and experience some of the most fascinating natural wonders Iceland can offer and is also available and relatively easy to drive all year round. It is a great option to spend a day visiting Iceland and staying in Ryekjavík for a few days or a stopover. In the summer, there is also the option of visiting the highland and joining us on our spectacular Hit Iceland Landmannalaugar highland tour.
