July 25, 2021

Everything you Need to Know about the Golden Circle of Iceland

The “Golden Circle” is the name for a route connecting some of the most popular sights to see in southern Iceland, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Traveling the entire circle takes about 3 hours driving non-stop, therefore, making it very doable in one day. If you are going to Iceland, this must be on your itinerary!

What you'll see on the Golden Circle

Technically, the Golden Circle includes:

Thingvellir National Park
Haukadalur and it’s geysers and
Gulfoss Waterfall.

However, driving 35 minutes to Kerid Crater you get a great addition to your trip and, honestly, puts the “circle” in Golden Circle!

Also, if you want, you can stop in Hveragardi, a town found in the geothermal location of Reykjadalur Valley on your way back to Reyjkavik. Learn more below!

Thingvellir national Park

Heading east, or clockwise around the circle from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park is the first sight you’ll run into. Thingvellir has a lot to offer! While driving through, make sure to see:

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall– easily accessible and visible from the Ring Road. The path is paved up to the waterfall, making it easily accessible. You can even walk behind the waterfall, if you don’t mind getting wet!
Almannagja Gorge– This is the only place in the WORLD you can walk between two tectonic plates, therefore you have to visit the Almannagja Gorge. The hike through the gorge is short and easy with a lot of the path paved; however, a portion of the path is rocky and can be wet.
- There is a cafe located near the visitor center that has a toilet you can use for free
Oxararfoss waterfall– found inside the Almmanagja Gorge. The trail is only about 0.7 miles from the parking lot and is an easy walk.
- Bonus: this waterfall is recognizable as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Note: You may have to pay to park in the park (about 750 ISK or ~$6). There are two parking lots near the Almannagja Gorge and one is free! Look for the parking lot closer to the Oxarafoss Waterfall

Gulfoss Waterfall

Gulfoss is technically a little off the path of the Golden Circle, but is one of the main sights to see on the route. One of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, it is worth the ~10 minute drive from the geysers on the Golden Circle. Gulfoss is located in the canyon of the Hvita river and features two drops in the falls. Keep your eyes peeled for the frequent rainbows that appear at the falls!

FYI:

There is a visitor center and a restaurant located at the falls. From there, you can walk down wooden steps to get to a paved pathway to view the falls
Two viewing locations overlook the falls; the top and lower viewing points with both points-of-view looking down onto the waterfall
The lower view point is often closed in the winter
There is a bathroom in the parking lot, however, you have to pay to use it. Inside the restaurant you can find a bathroom to use for free 🙂

Haukadalur geothermal area

Iceland is full of geothermal activity which contributes to its unique geography and adds to the wonders of the country. Among the most impressive geothermal phenomena are two popular geysers, Geysir and Strokkur.

Geysir is larger and erupts at increased heights
Strokkur is smaller and erupts every 8-10 minutes, resulting in shorter eruption heights
Both geysers are located in the same geothermal field and are in walking distance, so look for signs for both

Kerid Crater

Kerid is a volcanic crater just south of Gulfoss Waterfall on the Golden Circle. The lake was likely formed due to a collapsing of an empty magma chamber rather than an explosion. However, it is unique due to the distinct red volcanic rock mingled with green moss found around the walls of the crater that surround beautiful blue water.

FYI:

Kerid is a short, easy walk from the parking lot
It costs 400 ISK ( $4) to see the crater, with the entrance fee used to preserve and maintain the surrounding area
No swimming allowed (although you likely won’t want to in the weather 😉 )
There are no bathrooms located on the premise

Hveragardi

Driving from Kerid Crater back to Reykjavik, you will pass through Selfoss for a possible location for lunch or dinner. You will also pass through Hveragerdi which is in the Reykjadalur Valley, full of geothermal springs, mud baths and a geothermal river. Again, it is not part of the Golden Circle, but if you decide to see Kerid Crater you will pass by on your way back to Reykjavik (we didn’t because it was dark during the return to the capital 🙃).

FYI:

You can soak in the thermal river
To get there, you have to hike about 1.8 miles (3km) one way
There is a restaurant and toilets located in the parking lot where the hike starts