Driving The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is arguably Iceland’s most famous and most popular road trip. There are many reasons for its popularity, the main one being its proximity to the capital city. In fact, it can be undertaken as a day trip from Reykjavík! This is one of the best ways to explore South Iceland if you are poor on time or just need a place to start. With your rental car from GO Iceland, the open road awaits…
What is the Golden Circle?
In essence, the itinerary is a whistle-stop tour of some of the most important and beautiful attractions of the South West of Iceland.
Highlights of the Golden Circle
- Gullfoss Waterfall – This powerful waterfall will take your breath away, with stunning views that vary greatly from season to season.
- Thingvellir National Park – Walk between the tectonic plates and see the crystal clear water in Silfra, a fissure where legend has it, your dreams will come true if you throw a coin there.
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Nature puts on a great show here! Experience the true geothermal power of Iceland, with an eruption of water boiled by the earth’s core every few minutes!
Additional Golden Circle Stops
In addition, there are many smaller waterfalls and fascinating areas of natural beauty that can be added to this barebones itinerary. Some popular additional stops include:
- Kerid Crater – A crater lake with curiously blue water surrounded by colorful volcanic soil, creating a striking natural contrast. This is often a final stop on the Golden Circle.
- Blue Lagoon – Another must-visit near the capital, the Blue Lagoon is a great way to relax after a long day on the road.
- Seljalandsfoss – A picturesque stop on your way out from Reykjavík, Seljalandsfoss offers the unique opportunity to step behind a waterfall.
- Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse – This greenhouse makes it possible for Iceland to grow produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and even bananas!
Things to Know About Driving the Golden Circle
If you’re considering driving the Golden Circle in your rental car, there are a few things you might want to know first.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is typically completed within 1 day. If you plan to spend much more time exploring each of the main attractions and further off-the-beaten-track spots, more time may be required.
What Car Do I Need?
Your choice of car for the Golden Circle is not necessarily crucial and more dependent on your personal circumstances. As this is a popular tourist route, the roads are paved and well-maintained even in poor weather conditions, so there is no explicit need for a 4WD vehicle. Our selection of hire cars is comprehensive – we have options for solo travelers, families, and larger groups in our fleet!
What is the Best Time to Drive the Golden Circle?
The best time to road trip in Iceland should be a personal choice based on your confidence behind the wheel. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable year-round, especially when driving in winter. There are fewer daylight hours during winter, meaning that you might have to spend 2 days to see everything with the sun above the horizon. However, there is the chance to spot the Northern Lights while on your sightseeing trip. On the other hand, the Midnight Sun in Iceland’s Summer provides clearer and brighter conditions for your exploring. This is better for less confident drivers to embark on this or any road trip.
Your Golden Circle Itinerary
The Golden Circle is as it suggests, a circular route. This means that there is no real “right” way to undertake this road trip. The commonly driven route is clockwise, meaning that Thingvellir comes first, then the geysers, and finally Gullfoss, before returning to the capital to complete the circle. Here is a suggestion for how to spend your day on the Golden Circle:
- Start in Reykjavík – Leave your accommodation in the capital, finding some breakfast before setting off on Route 1 out of the city.
- Thingvellir National Park – Here you can spend some time admiring the park’s natural features, including small waterfalls, hiking around the well-trodden paths, and enjoying the man-made viewpoints.
- Laugarvatn – This town is a charming stop for refueling with snacks. You can also enjoy the Laugarvatn Geothermal Spa if you wish to explore further.
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Stick to the well-marked paths and enjoy the smaller geysers before heading to the main event, and make sure to watch the wind direction if you want to avoid a sulfur-smelling shower! There is also a restaurant and a gift shop on-site for a rest opportunity.
- Gullfoss – Enjoy panoramic views over Gullfoss from the viewpoint and embark on a short hike around the area while you’re here if you need to stretch your legs.
- Kerid Crater Lake – Make a short stop here to walk the circular route around the Kerid Crater, taking photographs of the ethereal colors.
- Finish in Reykjavík – Grab dinner at one of the city’s fine dining establishments and rest up after a long day of sightseeing.
Where To Stay On The Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle makes for a magical road trip, so of course you’ll want to know the best places to stay. Camping is a great way to get to know the natural surroundings and experience Iceland’s beauty, whether in a tent or a campervan.
Campsites On The Golden Circle
There are several locations designed for visitors camping around the Golden Circle in Iceland. Some of these sites have a full range of facilities while others are more basic, so you’ll need to bear this in mind if all you have is your tents.
Nyrðri Leirar Camping Near Thingvellir
If you are planning on spending a lot of time at the first stop on the Golden Circle, this campsite is a convenient 5-minute drive away right beside the park’s visitor center. There is no need to book in advance at Nyrðri Leirar Camping, simply arrive when you’re ready and pay for the time and space that you require at a rate of 1,530 ISK per person. You can either pay at the visitor’s center, where you can use the facilities or purchase maps for your journey, or the range will collect your fees around 8 am.
Úthlíð Campsite
The Úthlíð camping ground is right in the middle of the Golden Circle, offering comprehensive facilities for visitors who choose to stay here. You’ll find the campsite 10 km from the Geyser Geothermal Area. For around 2.000 ISK per person per night, you can enjoy a wide range of facilities, including showers, a hot tub, an on-site restaurant, and a laundry service. If you’re lucky and visit during the winter months, the distance from large population hubs means that you might be able to spot the Northern Lights while soaking in a hot tub!
Faxi Waterfall Campsite
Despite slightly more basic facilities, the views and service at the Faxi Waterfall camping ground make it a stunning place to pitch up. The campsite is renowned for being a picturesque place to rest your head. Camping at Faxi Waterfall is around 8 km from Reykholt and 10 km from Geysir. The restaurant on site is a great place to fuel up before you head on your way around the Golden Circle!
Skjól Camping Site
One of the most family-friendly camping grounds around Iceland’s Golden Circle is Skjól. It is very conveniently located just a few kilometers from the Geysers, and 6 km away from the magnificent Gullfoss. The site is home to a soccer pitch and a restaurant, as well as the nearby Haukadalsskógur Forest where families can enjoy many beautiful hiking routes! The site boasts excellent facilities to relax during your stay.
Gesthús Campsite Selfoss
The campground and RV park at Selfoss offer great facilities with fantastic views. The visitor center offers showers, a WC, a kitchen, a dining room, and Wi-Fi, all you could need to relax on this stop on your way around the Golden Circle. Kids will enjoy the nearby swimming pool and playground to stretch their legs after the last leg of the journey! Furthermore, the center of town is just 10 minutes away on foot, where you’ll find fully-stocked supermarkets and other shops to purchase anything you need for your journey. Open year-round, camping at Selfoss will cost you around 3.000 ISK per pitch.