The Golden Circle is an easy loop from Reykjavík, covering roughly 230 to 250 km and comfortably driven in 6 to 8 hours with unhurried stops. Start and finish in Reykjavík, going clockwise through Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area with Strokkur, Gullfoss waterfall, and the town of Selfoss before closing the loop. It’s a year-round trip: enjoy long daylight in summer and a chance to see the Northern Lights in winter. A regular car is fine in good conditions, while a 4×4 is recommended in winter. Roads are paved primary routes, but always check road and weather conditions before you go.
Distance: ~230–250 km (140–155 mi)
- Time: 6–8 hrs (relaxed)
- Vehicle: Car ok; 4×4 in winter
- Best: Year-round (summer long days)
Golden Circle map & directions
- Reykjavík → Route 1 east → Route 36 to Þingvellir
- Þingvellir → Route 365/37 via Laugarvatn to Geysir/Strokkur
- Geysir → Route 35 to Gullfoss
- Gullfoss → Route 35 south to Selfoss → Route 1 west to Reykjavík
Inter-stop drive times (typical)
| Leg | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík → Þingvellir (36) | ~45 km | ~45–50 min |
| Þingvellir → Geysir (36/365/37) | ~60 km | ~55–65 min |
| Geysir → Gullfoss (35) | ~10 km | ~10–15 min |
| Gullfoss → Reykjavík (35 → 1) | ~120 km | ~1 h 40–2 h |
The Big Golden Circle Stops
Paved roads, short legs, reliable services, and huge variety packed into a single day – ideal for first-timers, families, and photographers.
Thingvellir National Park
Walk the Almannagjá gorge between the North American and Eurasian plates, visit Öxarárfoss, and lakeside views at Þingvallavatn.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Steaming pools and mud pots surround Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes to ~20–35 m. Stay on signed paths and keep upwind for clearer photos.
Gullfoss Waterfall
A two-tiered glacial cascade dropping ~32 m into a rugged canyon. Expect rainbows in bright weather; in winter, lower paths can close for ice. Visitor centre, café, and multiple viewpoints on site.
Detours that fit smoothly
Pick two to keep your day relaxed.
Kerið crater
Quick rim stroll around a red-rimmed caldera with teal lake.
Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)
Historic geothermal pool; pre-book at peak times.
Friðheimar
Greenhouse lunch among the vines; reservations recommended.
Brúarfoss
Short hike to striking blue falls; allow 2–3 hours.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Spa + traditional rye-bread bake.
Efstidalur farm
Farm kitchen & ice cream stop; kid-friendly.
Skálholt
Historic bishopric and simple cathedral.
Faxi
Peaceful falls with picnic area and salmon ladder.
Self-Drive vs. Guided Tours vs. Private Tours
Self-drive the Golden Circle if you want maximum freedom – sunrise starts, late-evening light, and spontaneous detours – while taking full responsibility for timing, navigation, and weather (especially in winter).
Guided day tours from Reykjavík are the stress-free option: you get expert commentary, efficient stop times, and often bundled extras like snowmobiling on Langjökull, a soak at Fontana or Secret Lagoon, or a greenhouse lunch at Friðheimar.
Private tours split the difference: they’re best for photographers and families who want to control the pace, avoid crowds, and tailor stops – typically the most flexible (and pricier) choice.
1-day Golden Circle itinerary
- 07:30–08:15 Depart Reykjavík early
- 08:15–10:00 Þingvellir (Hakið, Almannagjá; optional Öxarárfoss)
- 10:00–11:00 Drive via Laugarvatn (rest stop)
- 11:00–12:00 Geysir/Strokkur (catch 2–3 eruptions)
- 12:00–12:15 Short hop to Gullfoss
- 12:15–13:15 Gullfoss viewpoints
- 13:15–14:45 Lunch: Friðheimar or Efstidalur
- 14:45–15:15 Kerið (optional, ~30 minutes)
- 15:15–17:00 Return via Selfoss → Reykjavík
Late start? Visit Gullfoss & Geysir after 16:00–17:00 to miss peak crowds, then finish at Thingvellir.
2-day “linger longer” plan
- Day 1: Reykjavík → Þingvellir walks (+ Silfra if booked) → Laugarvatn Fontana soak → sunset at Geysir; overnight near Geysir/Laugarvatn.
- Day 2: Early Gullfoss → Secret Lagoon soak → Kerið → Selfoss lunch → Reykjavík.
When to go & avoid crowds
When to go and how to dodge the crowds depends on daylight and tour patterns. Summer (June to August) brings the longest days and the heaviest traffic. To keep viewpoints quiet, arrive very early or plan a late start so you hit the big stops after most coaches have left. Shoulder months (May, September, October) offer softer light, cooler temps, and noticeably thinner crowds while keeping roads and trails easy most days. Winter (November to March) has short daylight windows, icy paths and roads, and the chance to see the Northern Lights if the sky is clear. Build in extra time for driving and walking, and check road and weather conditions before you commit to the loop.
Most bus tours cluster between about 09:00 and 17:00. Aim for dawn starts in summer, or plan your key stops after 16:00 year-round. You can also reverse the loop, linger over lunch to let groups pass, or add short detours like Kerið or a hot-spring soak to stagger your timing. Weekdays are usually a little quieter than weekends, and early or late light is better for photos too.
When to go & avoid crowds
Safety on the Golden Circle starts with planning and realistic pacing. The route is paved, but winter weather can flip from clear to icy within an hour, so check road and weather status before you leave and again during the day. In calm conditions a standard car is fine; in winter or after fresh snow choose a 4×4 with proper winter tires.
Drive with headlights on at all times, leave extra stopping distance, and watch for black ice on bridges and shaded bends. If conditions worsen, slow down or turn back rather than forcing a schedule.
Respect all temporary closures, for example the lower path at Gullfoss often closes when it is icy. In geothermal areas stay on marked paths and boardwalks since the ground can be thin and the water scalding.
Pack warm layers, waterproof boots with traction, and a scraper and blanket for the car. Fuel up in Reykjavík or Selfoss, carry snacks and water in case services are limited, keep your phone charged, share your route with someone, and save the emergency number 112.
Crowd-Beating and Photography Tips
Timing
Arrive at Thingvellir soon after opening, reach Geysir before tour-bus peaks (late morning), and hit Gullfoss either late morning or late afternoon.
Angles
At Geysir, position upwind of Strokkur for clean, backlit plumes. At Gullfoss, check both upper and lower viewpoints; in sunshine, watch for rainbows on the lower path.
Seasonal gear
Microspikes help on icy days; a lens cloth is gold around geyser spray and waterfall mist.
Food, fuel & facilities
Food, fuel, and facilities are easy on the Golden Circle if you plan your stops. Top up in Reykjavík before you leave, then again in Selfoss where there are multiple 24/7 self-service stations. There is also pay-at-pump fuel beside the Geysir Center, which is handy if you’ve been touring Þingvellir first. In winter or on busy days, it’s smart to start with a full tank.
For food, you’ll find on-site cafés at both Geysir and Gullfoss. Two beloved farm stops nearby are Friðheimar, the tomato-greenhouse restaurant where booking is recommended, and Efstidalur, a farm-to-table spot known for its homemade ice cream.
Restrooms are available at the main sites and eateries. At Gullfoss, facilities are inside the visitor center and operate on posted hours, with hot food typically ending about an hour before closing. Geysir Center also has full visitor services. Carry a card for self-service pumps and paid facilities just in case.