Discover the Golden Circle: Iceland’s Most Famous Scenic Route
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous scenic route, known for its stunning landscapes and historically significant sites. This circular tour connects some of the country’s top attractions and is conveniently located near Reykjavík, making it an easy addition to any itinerary. Whether you dedicate a single day or several to explore, the Golden Circle offers a glimpse of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Golden Circle Highlights
- Distance: Approximately 250 km round trip from Reykjavík.
- Travel Time: 1-3 days; a quick day trip takes around 8-9 hours
- Popular Combinations: South Coast, Þingvellir, Ring Road
- Best Travel Season: Year-round
- 4×4 Vehicle Needed?: Summer – No; Winter – Depending on road conditions
Key Stops on the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle offers some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. Here are the must-visit stops:
1. Gullfoss Waterfall :
Gullfoss, or the “Golden Waterfall,” is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, drawing over 2,000 visitors per day in the summer. Its dramatic, multi-tiered cascade plunges 31 meters into the Hvítá River canyon, creating stunning views from every angle. On average, 100,000 liters of glacial water flow over the falls every second.
Don’t forget a raincoat, as the spray can be relentless! Gullfoss is accessible year-round, but in winter, trails to the lower viewpoints may be closed due to icy conditions—check safetravel.is for updates.
2. Geysir Geothermal Area :
Haukadalur Valley is home to one of the few places on Earth where you can watch active geysers up close. The Great Geysir is mostly dormant now, but its smaller neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every 8-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters in the air. Visitors can also explore bubbling hot springs, steam vents, and mud pots in the area.
Be sure to stand upwind to avoid the hot spray!
3. Þingvellir National Park :
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Þingvellir is both a geological marvel and a place of immense historical importance. From 930 AD until 1789, it served as the meeting place for Iceland’s parliament, the Alþingi. It was also here, in 1944, that Iceland declared its independence from Denmark. Geologically, Þingvellir is located on the boundary where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating visible rifts such as the Almannagjá Canyon.
Visitors caneven snorkel or dive between the continents at Silfra. Thepark is also home to Iceland’s largest natural lake,Þingvallavatn, and the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall.
The Golden Circle offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural history, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Iceland.