Golden Circle at Your Own Pace: A Self-Drive Tour From Reykjavik, Iceland
Driving the Golden Circle © Freestyle Travelers
The Golden Circle is a famed route in Iceland, brimming with natural wonders and historical significance. This itinerary details a self-drive adventure from Reykjavik, perfect for those who crave the freedom to explore at their own pace and discover hidden gems along the way. Here's a peek into what you can expect on this incredible journey, including tips to help you make the most of yours.
What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?
The Golden Circle is roughly a 300-kilometer (186-mile) loop encompassing three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. While many tours cover these sites, renting a car grants you the flexibility to explore beyond the beaten path.
Embrace the Early Bird Advantage:
Summer in Iceland brings the midnight sun, allowing you to maximize daylight hours with an early start (around 6 am). This strategy, as we discovered, helped us dodge crowds, especially at the popular Golden Circle sites. Almost immediately upon leaving Reykjavik, we were met with incredible mountain and farm vistas. The terrain gradually changed from a mossy lunar landscape to rolling hills with farms, unlike anything we'd ever seen before. Around every bend and every hill, we were more amazed than the last.
Important Winter Considerations:
If you're planning a Golden Circle adventure in winter, be aware that some roads may be closed or treacherous due to snow and ice. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out. Additionally, consider renting an SUV, as some roads, particularly those leading to hidden gems like Bruarfoss, might be unpaved and require a higher clearance vehicle.
Golden Circle Itinerary Map
Our custom Google Map below showcases all the recommended stops along the Golden Circle, starting and ending in Reykjavik. By clicking the sidebar icon on the top left, you can view a list of these stops and manage the visibility of pins and the driving route. This interactive map provides an easy-to-follow guide for exploring Iceland's popular attractions, ensuring you don't miss any key destinations along this scenic route.
Best Golden Circle Itinerary
Stop #1: Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park (pronounced Thing-veth-lir) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see. This unique park sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart. You can walk the entire length of the Almannagjá gorge, a rift valley marking the separation of these two continents. Þingvellir also holds historical significance as the site of the world's oldest parliament, the Alþingi, founded in 930 AD.
There are five different parking areas within the park, each with a designated area of interest nearby. Here's a quick guide:
P5: Closest to the Öxarárfoss waterfall.
P2: Closest to the parliament area and the cold water diving area (Silfra fissure).
P1: Closest to the scenic overlook and the visitor center.
Pay attention to signage for the parking lots and the areas they service. The park itself is open 24/7, but between 9 am and 8 pm, license plates are monitored against parking meters. You only need to pay once (1000 ISK) for parking no matter which lot you use.
For those with limited mobility, we recommend parking in P1 and going to the scenic overlook for breathtaking park vistas. Getting to the canyon from the parking lots involves hills and steps, so be mindful of that.
Stop #2: Laugarvatn Fontana
Head to Laugarvatn, a geothermal village known for its hot springs. We stopped by Laugarvatn Fontana, a geothermal spring area with thermal baths. While the baths themselves can be a great way to experience the geothermal activity in Iceland, we were most excited about their famous rye bread (rúgbrauð). Baked underground using the natural heat of the earth, this brown bread is dense, slightly sweet, and incredibly delicious.
The cafe at Laugarvatn Fontana typically sells the bread by the slice with fresh butter, but luckily, we arrived right at opening at 11 am and were able to purchase a quarter of a large loaf. They also offer tours about the bread-making process twice a day, which might be a fun way to learn more about this unique Icelandic tradition.
Stop #3: Geysir & Strokkur
Geysir itself is a large geyser, the one that gave geysers their name! The Strokkur geyser located nearby erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting hot water and steam high into the air. The surrounding geothermal area is quite active, with fumaroles (steam vents) and hot springs bubbling everywhere. Be aware that strong sulfuric smells are emitted from the geothermal activity, so some people might find the area unpleasant. There's a large parking lot, cafe, shop, and even a hotel at Geysir. Parking is free here.
Stop #4: Gullfoss
Gullfoss © Freestyle Travelers
Separate from Geysir, Gullfoss is a massive waterfall cascading 32 meters (105 feet) into a canyon. The force and power of the water are truly awe-inspiring. There are multiple points to view the falls, both from above and from the bottom. You can even go right down to the base of the falls for an up-close experience, but you will definitely get wet! In most viewing areas, you will feel the water spray, so bring a raincoat and a hat for the wind. Luckily, a large portion of the upper trail from the parking lot to the viewing platform is paved with small ramps, making it accessible for those with limited mobility. The cafe and gift shop offer a variety of food, beverages, and souvenirs.
Stop #5: Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss © Freestyle Travelers
After Gullfoss, we saw a small road on our map that led towards Brúarfoss. According to Apple Maps, the trail from the parking lot was an hour hike, which made us hesitant. Thankfully, upon arrival, we discovered it was a very manageable 5-minute walk on a dirt/gravel path with a slight incline. We recommend comfortable shoes with good traction, especially if you've recently had rain or snow. While the path might not be suitable for wheelchairs or those with severe mobility limitations, for most visitors, it's an easy and rewarding walk.
The reward at the end of the short walk was truly breathtaking. Brúarfoss is surrounded by picturesque snow-capped mountains in the background. The turquoise waters cascaded through the rocks, creating a picture-perfect scene. We spent a good amount of time here, taking photos and marveling at the beauty of this hidden waterfall. There's a designated viewing platform perfect for capturing the falls, but for the more adventurous hikers, there are trails beyond that lead further upstream for additional exploration.
There's a digital parking meter in the parking lot at Brúarfoss. Parking costs 750 ISK, which is a small price to pay for the incredible sight that awaits you.
Stop #6: Kerið Crater and the Southern Route
Although we didn't stop at Kerið Crater on our journey south (roads 37, 35, and 1), we did drive past it. This picturesque volcanic crater lake boasts turquoise waters contrasting with the red volcanic rock, creating a stunning visual. If you have the time, it's definitely worth a stop. There's a parking fee at Kerið Crater that can be paid online or at the parking meter upon arrival.
The drive along the southern route itself was an unforgettable experience. We ascended into mountains, revealing breathtaking vistas with every turn. Lush green valleys gave way to snow-capped peaks, leaving us in awe of Iceland's diverse landscapes.
Icelandic Road Trip Essentials: Be Prepared for Adventure
Gas Stations: Gas stations in Iceland are self-service. You'll need to pump the gas first, then pay inside the station. Luckily, Iceland embraces various payment methods for your convenience. You can use cash, credit cards with a PIN, tap to pay options, or even Apple Pay at most stations.
Weather: Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly. Be prepared for anything from sunshine to rain or even snow. Pack layers of clothing, including a raincoat, warm hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes.
Food and Drinks: While there are restaurants and cafes along the Golden Circle route, it's always a good idea to pack some snacks and drinks, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
By following this itinerary and these tips, you can create your own unforgettable self-drive adventure on the Golden Circle. Remember, the beauty lies not just in the iconic destinations, but also in the hidden gems and the journey itself. So, buckle up, hit the road, and get ready to be amazed by the magic of Iceland!
