- Classic loop
- ~230 km
- Driving time
- 3.5 h
- With stops
- 6–8 h
- Geysir & Gullfoss
- Free
The Golden Circle route
The Golden Circle is a loop of about 230 km from Reykjavík through the three most famous sights of South-West Iceland. It takes about 3.5 hours of pure driving, so with stops plan for a full day of 6 to 8 hours. All roads are paved and open year-round, and a normal car is fine in summer.
- Reykjavík → Þingvellir (50 km, 45 min). Take Route 1 north to Mosfellsbær, then Route 36 over the Mosfellsheiði plateau. Park at Hakið visitor centre (paid parking) and walk down the Almannagjá gorge between the continental plates.
- Þingvellir → Geysir (60 km, 1 h). Follow Route 365 past Laugarvatn, then Route 37 and 35. At Geysir the great Geysir itself rarely erupts, but its neighbour Strokkur goes off every few minutes.
- Geysir → Gullfoss (10 km, 10 min). There are two viewpoints: the upper one by the café and car park, and a lower path that takes you right to the edge of the falls (closed in icy conditions).
- Gullfoss → Reykjavík via Flúðir and Kerið (about 120 km, 1 h 45 min). Return on Route 35 south. Detour to Friðheimar for tomato soup, the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir for a soak, and Kerið crater, before returning via Selfoss and Hveragerði.
Beat the crowds: drive the loop anticlockwise (Kerið, Gullfoss, Geysir, then Þingvellir late in the afternoon) or start before 9 am. Tour buses arrive at Þingvellir from about 9:30.
Best Golden Circle add-ons
- Snorkelling in Silfra: one of the world's clearest dive sites. Water is 2–4°C, so you wear a drysuit. Tours run year-round, need a booking, and have age and health requirements.
- Geothermal baths: the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, Laugarvatn Fontana or the warm river at Reykjadalur.
- Glacier activities: snowmobiling on Langjökull, reached by super-jeep from Gullfoss, or the man-made ice tunnel inside the glacier.
- Horse riding: many farms along the route offer 1–2 hour rides on Icelandic horses.
Silfra snorkelling sells out in summer. Book a few days ahead and check the minimum age and swimming requirements.
Book Silfra snorkelling ↗Golden Circle in winter
The Golden Circle is the most reliable winter day trip, since the roads are main routes that are cleared first after snow. Daylight is only 4 to 5 hours in December, so leave Reykjavík at first light (about 11 am) and expect to finish in the dark. Wear crampons or microspikes on icy paths at Gullfoss and Geysir, and check umferdin.is for road conditions.
Where to stay on the Golden Circle
Most people do the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavík, but staying a night nearby lets you visit the sights before the tour buses and gives you dark skies for the northern lights. Good bases are Laugarvatn, Flúðir, the area around Geysir, and Selfoss, which is also the gateway to the South Coast.
Combining the Golden Circle with the South Coast? Spend the night in Selfoss, Hella or Hvolsvöllur.
Hotels near the Golden Circle ↗Plan your trip to the Golden Circle
Where to stay
Country hotels, cabins and farm stays near Geysir, Laugarvatn and Flúðir.
Find places to stay ↗Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Golden Circle take?
The classic loop is about 230 km and 3.5 hours of driving. With time at Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, allow 6 to 8 hours. Add a lagoon, Kerið and Friðheimar and it becomes a full day.
Is the Golden Circle free?
Geysir and Gullfoss are free. Þingvellir charges for parking, Kerið has a small entry fee, and lagoons, Silfra snorkelling and restaurants cost extra.
Can you do the Golden Circle without a car?
Yes. Dozens of guided tours run from Reykjavík every day, from big-bus tours to small-group minibus tours, and many include hotel or bus-stop pickup. Public transport does not cover the route in a practical way.
Which way round should I drive the Golden Circle?
Clockwise from Reykjavík (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) is the classic order. Going anticlockwise, or starting early, helps you avoid the tour-bus peak.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.