Exploring Iceland's Golden Circle: A Perfect Day Trip from Reykjavik
If you're visiting Iceland, and stay in Reykjavik, a trip along the Golden Circle is an absolute must. This iconic route showcases some of the country's most stunning natural wonders and is easily accessible from Reykjavik by rental car or with a tour.
Here’s our favourite Golden Circle itinerary. Of course there is more to see, but we chose to keep to the essentials here, to fit into a day trip and with time to spontanuosly stop on the way.
6 Must-See Stops on Iceland's Golden Circle
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park: Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and explore the historical site of Iceland’s oldest parliament.
Laugarvatn: Taste delicious geothermal-baked bread.
Optional: relax at the Spa with its geothermal pools and steam baths.Bruarfoss: A hidden gem with its stunning blue water, perfect for a nice walk and photo oppurtunity.
Geysir Geothermal Area: Witness the powerful eruptions of Stokkur geyser and explore the bubbling hot springs.
Gullfoss: The breathtaking "Golden Falls," one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, cascading into a canyon. A must to see!
Kerid Crater: Visit this striking volcanic crater lake with vibrant red slopes contrasting beautifully with the blue water.
We experienced personally these stops are a good mix for most people; for a family with kids as well as grandma and grandpa driving together.
The entire journey takes about four hours of driving time, so start the day early! With so many amazing stops along the way, you'll want to spend the whole day exploring.
Download our Golden Circle 6-step itinerary on Google Maps here
(ex. for using when navigating in the car)
1. Þingvellir National Park
Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and geology. Here, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park is also home to Iceland’s oldest parliament, Alþingi, which was established in 930 AD. Spend some time exploring the trails, taking in the stunning landscapes, and learning about Iceland’s cultural heritage.
2. Laugarvatn
Next on the road is Laugarvatn, a small town known for its geothermal activity. One unique attraction here is the geothermal bakery, where locals bake bread in the hot ground. The bread, known as "hverabrauð," is deliciously sweet and dense. You can buy it at the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, which also offers an amazing spa experience with geothermal pools and steam baths. Optional: If you have time, treat yourself to a relaxing dip in this naturally heated warm pool the typical Icelandic way!
3. Bruarfoss
The bridge at Bruarfoss is amazing. Here Julia stands in the middle.
This hidden gem is a short 5-minute walk from the road and features the bluest water you’ll ever see. It’s worth the visit for the stunning views and photo opportunities.
4. Geysir Geothermal Area
Continue your journey to the Geysir Geothermal Area, the site that gave its name to geysers around the world. The star of the show here is Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. The area is dotted with bubbling hot springs and fumaroles, making it a fascinating place to explore.
5. Gullfoss
Just a short drive from Geysir is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Also known as the "Golden Falls". The sheer power and beauty of this waterfall are breathtaking. Be sure to walk along the paths to get different perspectives and feel the mist on your face.
After Gullfoss, head back towards Reykjavik on Road 35. This route offers more scenic views and takes you through some of Iceland’s picturesque countryside.
Gullfoss in wintertime, from our last trip in April
6. Kerid Crater
Your last major stop is the Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic crater lake. The vibrant red and orange slopes contrast beautifully with the vivid blue water. You can walk around the rim or even down to the water's edge. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take some stunning photos before heading back to Reykjavik.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Circle is a perfect day trip that offers a taste of Iceland’s natural beauty and geological wonders. We really enjoy this day trip where you get to see a lot of Iceland from a small area of the island. From the historical significance of Thingvellir to the explosive power of Strokkur and the serene beauty of Gullfoss, each stop on this route is unique and unforgettable.
So pack your camera, dress in layers, and get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure!
A cold windy day at Gullfoss, but still so beautiful!
Happy travels!
