Overview
The Golden Circle is a 300km loop starting and ending in Reykjavik. All roads are paved (Route 1, 36, 35, 37) and suitable for any rental car in summer. This itinerary assumes an 8 AM start.
Hour-by-Hour Itinerary
8:00 AM - Depart Reykjavik
Leave early to beat the crowds. Fill up on fuel and grab snacks. Head east on Route 1, then Route 36 toward Þingvellir.
Driving: 45 minutes
8:45-10:30 AM - Þingvellir National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk between tectonic plates at the rift valley where Europe and North America drift apart. Don't miss:
- Almannagjá (main viewing platform and rift walk)
- Lögberg (Law Rock) - where Vikings held parliament
- Öxarárfoss waterfall (15-min walk)
Recommended time: 1.5-2 hours
10:45 AM - Optional: Bruarfoss Waterfall
Hidden gem. "Iceland's bluest waterfall" is a 15-minute detour and 20-minute walk each way. Worth it for photographers.
Optional: Add 1 hour
11:15 AM-12:30 PM - Geysir Geothermal Area
Watch Strokkur erupt every 5-10 minutes. Walk the boardwalks past bubbling mud pots and colorful hot springs. The original Geysir is mostly dormant.
Recommended time: 45-60 minutes
Lunch option: Geysir Center has a café and restaurant.
12:45-2:00 PM - Gullfoss Waterfall
Iceland's most famous waterfall. Two-tiered cascade plunging 32m into a canyon. Two viewing platforms offer different perspectives. Prepare for spray!
Recommended time: 45-60 minutes
Lunch option: Gullfoss Café has excellent lamb soup.
2:15 PM - Optional: Kerið Crater
Volcanic crater lake with striking red-black walls and aquamarine water. 15-minute walk around the rim. Entry fee: ~$3.
Optional: Add 30-45 minutes
3:00 PM - Optional: Secret Lagoon or Friðheimar
Two excellent add-ons near Flúðir:
- Secret Lagoon: Natural hot spring, less crowded than Blue Lagoon (~$22)
- Friðheimar: Greenhouse farm with tomato soup lunch (~$25)
Optional: Add 1-1.5 hours
4:00-5:00 PM - Return to Reykjavik
Take Route 35 to Route 1 back to Reykjavik (about 1 hour).
Essential Tips
- Start early (8 AM): Beat tour bus crowds at stops
- Drive clockwise: This order avoids backtracking
- Use Google Maps: Works well offline; download Iceland maps
- Check road.is: Essential for winter road conditions
- Keep receipts: Fuel and food expenses for records
Winter roads can be icy. Rent a 4x4 with winter tires, drive slowly, and always check road.is before departing.
What You'll Need
- Valid driver's license
- Rental car (economy is fine for summer)
- Phone with Google Maps (download offline)
- Layers and rain gear
- Snacks and water
- Credit card (Iceland is nearly cashless)