Golden Circle Iceland: a Perfect Day Trip from Reykjavík
Most people visiting Iceland want to drive the Golden Circle from Reykjavík. This is a very popular route in Iceland, because you can see some of the most beautiful natural sights within one day. Plan a whole day to visit the Golden Circle because it takes a lot of time, especially combined with the hike to Reykjadalur hotspring. In this article you’ll find all our stops on the route of the Golden Circle: a perfect day trip from Reykjavík.
TIP: download our Google Maps travel guide Iceland with all the above locations!
Travel Route Golden Circle as a Day Trip from Reykjavík
The Golden Circle is an ideal day trip to make from Reykjavík. On this route you will pass one of the largest waterfalls of Iceland, an active geyser and a hotspring. If you are in Iceland for only a short time, then we definitely recommend this route of about 250 km. If you have more time, the Golden Circle is probably the start or end point of a complete tour through Iceland. We didn’t think it was too busy in the spring of 2022. In summer (peak season), however, it will probably be a lot busier. There are plenty of parking spaces everywhere, most of which are paid for with plate recognition. There are also organized tours on this route. Curious about the stops during our tour on the Golden Circle?
Check out some great places to stay before and afther your day trip to the Golden Circle Iceland.
1. Þingvellir National Park
Our first stop of the route is Þingvellir national park, located on the overlap of the American and Eurasian tectonic plate. It is a nice first stop to get acquainted with the nature of Iceland. You can make a nice and easy walk around the area, but we didn’t stay here very long. You should also be able to snorkel in very clear water in this area. This first stop was also our introduction to the Icelandic way of parking. The country is becoming more and more popular, so you need to pay for your parking spot at more and more spaces. Many parkings are controlled by electronic plate recognition, without barriers. So make sure to pay and avoid fines!
2. Strokkur Geyser
At a one hour drive from de national park you will find the most active geyser of Iceland: Strokkur. This geysir is active every few minutes. Close to the Strokkur you will find the more popular Geysir, but this geysir has not been active for a long time. It is definitly worth climbing the hill from where you have a nice view over the area of Strokkur and Geysir.
3. Gullfoss Waterfall
Just behind the geothermal area of the geysirs is Gullfoss, the second largest and most powerful waterfall we have seen in Iceland.
4. Reykjadalur Hotspring
After Gullfoss, many tourists drive to the Kerið crater. Although we passed this stop, we decided not to stop here, since there was an entrance fee to take a look at the crater. We didn’t think this was worth it and decided to continue to Reykjaladur hotspring. Whether or not this stop is officially part of it, we thought this was the most beautiful spot of the day! A walk of about four kilometers (one way) takes you to a river that originates at a hot spring. Here you can bathe (for free!) in a natural warm water river, a unique experience! Would you like to know more about a visit to the hot spring? Then read our best rated hotspring areas in Iceland!
