The Golden Circle Itinerary: What to See in One Day

If you only have one day outside of Reykjavik, make it the Golden Circle. I’ll be honest — I almost talked myself out of it. I was more excited about the south coast and the Golden Circle felt like the obligatory tourist thing to do before the real Iceland started. I was wrong.

It’s one of the most accessible drives in the country — easy to do solo, packed with things to see and completely doable without a tour. And compared to the south coast, it’s a much easier day. I was tired when I got there and still couldn’t stop pulling over. Nothing prepared me for how gorgeous it was.

Planning Your Golden Circle Itinerary

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular trips from Reykjavik. Covering about 300 kilometers — or 190 miles — it’s packed with things to see and do on Routes 36, 365, 37 and 35 making up the primary ring. But even the inner part of the circle itself has more than you can fit into a single day, so you have to be strategic about how you drive it.

The key is to have a rough idea of what you want to visit before you go and prioritize that. Trust me, the hardest part is not stopping every five minutes when something catches your eye but it’s for your own good to stay on track as much as you can. Plan some extra time on your Golden Circle itinerary for random stops.

Most people do the Golden Circle in one day and one day is absolutely doable — you just have to accept that you won’t see everything. Two days would be better, and honestly even three days would make it hard to fit in all the hot springs and waterfalls. I only had one day since I was trying to see as much of Iceland as possible in four days total.

To get the most out of a Golden Circle day trip, I recommend checking out IHeartReykjavik.com. They have a solid self-drive itinerary, and two tips in particular stuck with me: go early and drive the route in reverse — starting on the north side. Most tours start on the south side, so starting on the north puts you ahead of the buses and the crowds.

I’ve also put together a Google Map of my route with all the stops marked. Click to save it to your own Google account then click on any destination in the layers to pull up info and directions for that stop.

Leirvogsvatn

I flew into Iceland on a red-eye and went straight to sightseeing — spending almost 24 hours without sleep in a bed so it was mid-morning after a quick coffee stop on my second day in Iceland before I headed north on Route 36 out of Reykjavik. I would definitely recommend an earlier start though.

Tired but excited after everything I had seen the day before — you can check out everything I did here in my Four Days in Iceland article — I was anxious to stop and see some new and different things.

I was barely out of the city before I pulled over at Leirvogsvatn — a pretty lake just 30 kilometers from Reykjavik with a pullout along the road. When I stopped there wasn’t another soul around. No crowds, no tour buses, just the water and the landscape.

It’s more a fishing lake but there is a hiking trail that goes all the way around the lake. If you packed a lunch — and I’d highly recommend you do in Iceland — this is the kind of place you could spend a couple of hours without even realizing it.

Öxárárfoss

The landscape changes fast in Iceland. After miles of lava fields and wide open terrain, Öxárárfoss was a welcome surprise — there were actual green trees. It sounds simple but after everything I’d seen the day before was mostly lava, the tree-lined trails felt like a completely different place.

The Oxara River flows through the Thingvellir area and forms several waterfalls in the region — Öxárárfoss is just one of them. A quick note: it seems like every time you turn around in Iceland there’s another waterfall worth stopping for but remember you are trying to stay on track.

An easy, short walk on a well-maintained wooden path leads you right to the waterfall. I was kind of mesmerized that you could get so close to the water. Since I was there in September it was freely flowing, but in winter the waterfall typically freezes over — so if you’re visiting in the colder months you’ll get a completely different experience.

Southerner Says: Öxárárfoss is technically inside Thingvellir National Park but if you’re driving the route from the north on the west side, like I was, it’s just off Route 36 before the main park area. You’ll reach it before the visitor center and main park area. Go ahead and stop — it saves you backtracking later.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir or Þingvellir, felt old the moment I stepped out of the car — and it is. Iceland’s first parliament, the Althing, met here starting in 930 AD — that’s over 1,000 years ago. Standing on those wide open, prairie-like fields, I kept thinking about what that must have looked like. What did they even wear? All I could think of was Game of Thrones. And for a reason.

Beyond the history, the park sits between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and the movement of those plates has created a landscape full of impressive ravines and crevasses. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and you can even snorkel or dive the Silfra fissure — one of the most unique diving experiences in the world. It’s on my list for next time.

The park has a visitor center focused on the educational side of the park and a small service center which takes care of camping and fishing permits. It also has a small café and shop — I popped in for soup and coffee and a cool keychain. It was exactly what I needed to keep me going for a while.

Picnic tables and restrooms are also available. From there, you can also walk out to the Parliamentary Plains or make inquiries about camping and fishing. Thingvellir is free to visit but you will need to pay for parking that covers all of the park, including Öxárárfoss.

Southerner Says: Thingvellir National Park is on Route 36 but if you want to see the incredible lake in the park then the best way is to take Route 361 along the lake for a the scenic lakeside drive.

Laugarvatn

Laugarvatn is a small town sitting on a geothermal lake about halfway around the Golden Circle and worth a stop if you time it right — which I did not. The main attraction is Laugarvatn Fontana, a spa and steam bath built right on the lake. It was closed when I pulled through but I’m going back for it.

If soaking in geothermal water with a lake view sounds like your kind of thing, check their hours and make reservations before you go and build it into your day. One of the other cool — or hot — experiences in this area is baking bread in the ground.

Brú Horse Farm

Between Gullfoss and Geysir on Route 35, keep your eyes open for Brú Horse Farm. The farmer here actually created a small parking area specifically so visitors could stop safely — he got tired of people pulling over in the middle of the road — which by the way is illegal in Iceland. Smart man.

When I stopped, I walked right into the field and the horses were completely unbothered and very friendly. They now have a self-service kiosk where you can buy horse food to feed them — that wasn’t there when I visited but it’s a great addition.

Geysir Geothermal Area

I’ll be honest — I pulled into the parking lot, took a quick look and kept moving. If you’ve been to Yellowstone or spent any time in a geothermal area, Geysir might not feel like a must-stop. I had also just come from the Seltún Geothermal Area on the Reykjanes Peninsula the day before, so I was a little geysered out.

That said, Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes and it’s genuinely impressive. If this is your first time seeing a geyser or you have plenty of time, absolutely stop. Just don’t skip Gullfoss to do it.

Gullfoss — Iceland’s Golden Waterfall

Gullfoss means “golden waterfall” in Icelandic and it earns the name. Besides Thingvellir, if you only have time for one stop on the Golden Circle, this is it — I’d put it right up there with Niagara Falls in terms of sheer power and scale.

Come prepared though. It was so windy and the spray so strong that I was soaked from a distance even in a rain jacket and beanie. I didn’t make it to the closest viewpoint but honestly you don’t need to — the view is unreal from anywhere on the trail. Only go to the closest viewpoint if you don’t mind getting sprayed.

Sunset Over the Golden Circle

I didn’t plan for the sunset. I was just driving back toward Reykjavik when the sky started changing to beautiful golds and oranges. I was near Sandholt — nothing but wide open farmland and empty road in every direction — and stood on the side of the road to take it in. If you time your day right, you might just get lucky with a sunset too.

Northern Lights Over Reykjavik

After I made it back to the hostel someone mentioned the aurora app was showing activity nearby. We jumped in the car and headed down to the old harbor — one of the darker spots close to the city — and sure enough, there they were. Faint, more of a whitish-gray shimmer than the green you see in photos, but real.

I felt like it was a party and the whole city showed up. I’m still not sure exactly why but since the aurora aren’t usually seen until September I feel like this was one of the first appearances after summer and everyone came out to see.

Then there was this old man who walked straight into the middle of the crowd, took off his clothes and slowly lowered himself down into a hot pot by the water. I think it was probably the Kvika Footbath. That was as surprising as the northern lights.

Southerner Says: Download an aurora forecast app before you go — My Aurora Forecast is a good one. If the forecast is showing activity, get away from city lights as fast as you can. Even a short drive out makes a difference.

What’s Not on This Golden Circle Itinerary

There is so much inside and around the Golden Circle that one day barely scratches the surface. Here’s what I missed and is on my list for next time.

Friðheimar — a family-run tomato farm and greenhouse restaurant on Route 35 that’s become one of the most popular lunch stops on the Golden Circle. Everything on the menu is tomato-based, including tomato soup, tomato beer and yes, tomato ice cream. Reservations are recommended.

Secret Lagoon — located in the small town of Flúðir, this is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool and a much more low-key alternative to the Blue Lagoon. I drove right past it on the way back to Reykjavik. Still annoyed about that but it was too late anyway.

Kerið Crater — a 3,000 year old volcanic crater lake on the south side of the Golden Circle with vivid turquoise water set against red volcanic slopes. It’s a short walk around the rim and worth the small entry fee.

Brúarfoss — known as Iceland’s bluest waterfall, fed by glacial meltwater from Langjökull. I actually stopped here and took photos of the river — the color of the water is unlike anything I’d seen. There were horses nearby when I visited but I didn’t see recent mentions of them so that may have changed. It’s a short walk from a parking area just off Route 35 and most people drive right past it.

Renting a Car in Iceland

You need a car to drive the Golden Circle — there’s really no way around it. Guided tours are available but having your own vehicle means you stop when you want, stay as long as you want and don’t have to keep up with a group. On a route where something catches your eye every five minutes, that freedom matters.

Iceland’s international airport (KEF) is in Keflavik, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Having a rental car means you can start exploring the minute you land instead of waiting for a shuttle or paying for a taxi into the city. I used Green Motion, whose office is just a short shuttle ride from the airport.

One important note — a lot of rental cars in Iceland have manual transmissions. If you don’t drive a manual, make sure you specifically request an automatic when you book. I also recommend comparing rates on Discover Cars before you book — that way you can search multiple companies at once and filter for automatic transmission.

Southerner Says: Check what your insurance actually covers before you leave home. Basic policies in Iceland often don’t cover wind damage, sand and ash damage or broken windshields — and all of those are real possibilities. I ended up purchasing additional coverage for peace of mind.

Rather Not Drive the Golden Circle Yourself?

The Golden Circle is one of the most tour-friendly routes in Iceland — buses run daily from Reykjavik and most tours hit all three main stops in a single day. If you’d rather let someone else handle the driving, especially in winter, a guided tour makes a lot of sense. These tours are all highly rated and hit the highlights and best of the Golden Circle.

When to Visit Iceland and the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is doable year-round and the roads are well maintained in every season. That said, each time of year gives you a completely different experience.

I visited in mid-September and it was perfect — the weather wasn’t too extreme, the crowds had thinned out from summer and the days were still long enough to get a full day in. I also got lucky with the Northern Lights, which you won’t see at all in summer when it barely gets dark.

Summer is the most popular time for a reason — milder weather, maximum daylight and everything is open. Just expect crowds at the main stops. Winter is stunning, especially with snow on the falls and the best shot at Northern Lights, but the days are brutally short and the roads require more caution. If you’re self-driving in winter, check road conditions at road.is before you go.

Shoulder season — late April through May and September through October — is the sweet spot for most people.

Southerner Says: I’d go back in a heartbeat in September. The fall colors at Thingvellir alone are worth it and the weather was great.

Where to Stay on the Golden Circle

In Reykjavik

If you want to stay in Reykjavik and drive the Golden Circle as a day trip, Reykjavik has accommodations at every price point. As a solo traveler I was concerned about cost so I stayed at B14 Hostel on the east side of the city. It was ideal for my quick trip and super convenient for getting on the road out of town quickly. They also have a second location closer to the city centre with rooms and apartments if you want something more central.

For non-hostel accommodations I recommend mid-priced Hotel Von or Reykjavik Rainbow Guesthouse — near downtown with access to a shared kitchen — ideal for families or those on a budget. For something more upscale, the Iceland Parliament Hotel is really nice with a variety of amenities on site including a restaurant, spa and sauna.

On the Golden Circle

If you have two days — and you should — staying on the Golden Circle itself changes everything. You can beat the buses and catch the light at Gullfoss without a crowd. And if you’re planning to see the Golden Circle and the south coast — which I’d highly recommend — consider basing yourself in or near Hveragerði or Selfoss instead of driving back to Reykjavik each night.

Selfoss is probably better since it’s closer to the south route but I just love Hveragerði so much. I stopped by the nearby Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River when I was driving the south coast route and vowed to make it back some day. Frost and Fire Hotel is adorable and Inni Boutique Apartments have kitchens, a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and terrace.

Near Selfoss these splurge-worthy glamping domes are amazing. They’re not cheap but waking up in a dome in Iceland is hard to argue with. Heima Holiday Homes are individual cottages for a more affordable price and closer to downtown Selfoss is Hotel Selfoss.

Here are a few other convenient options.

Efstidalur II Farm Hotel is one of those places that makes you wish you’d planned to stay on the Golden Circle instead of driving back to Reykjavik. This historic family dairy farm right next to Brúarfoss has been around since the 1750s. Rooms have views of the valley, there’s a farm-to-table restaurant with homemade ice cream. In summer you can even ride to Brúarfoss on horseback.

Hotel Geysir — Another splurge option. This modern 4-star hotel a five minute walk from Strokkur, with panoramic views, multiple restaurants and Gullfoss just 15 minutes away. If you want comfort and a great location in one place, this is it.

Hótel Laugarvatn — The solid middle ground. Right on the lake in Laugarvatn, close to Fontana Spa and central to all the main stops. Complimentary coffee and tea station and lake views that are hard to beat.

Klettar Tower — For something truly unique, this is a tower outside Flúðir near the Secret Lagoon with panoramic bay windows designed for Northern Lights viewing. It’s quirky and memorable and not like anything else on the route.

Golden Circle Tips

Dress for the weather — all of it. Iceland’s weather can change fast and the Golden Circle is no exception. I was soaked my first day in Iceland when I drove around the Reykjanes Peninsula. Dress in layers, bring a rain jacket, a heavier coat, a beanie and gloves. Skip the sneakers — waterproof shoes or hiking boots will serve you much better. A poncho is not a bad idea either, especially if you plan to get close to the falls.

Phone Service. Don’t forget to sort out your phone service before you go. Iceland has good coverage on the main routes but you don’t want to be navigating the Golden Circle without data. An eSIM is the easiest option — download it before you leave home.

Download offline maps. Save Google Maps offline before you leave Reykjavik and make sure you have your data sorted for the road. Cell service on the Golden Circle is generally good but there are gaps, and the last thing you want is to be standing at a fork in the road in the middle of Iceland with no signal and no map.

Get travel insurance. Iceland has excellent healthcare but that doesn’t mean you should skip travel insurance. A medical evacuation, a cancelled flight or a rental car incident can turn an expensive trip into a devastating one. It’s one of the things I never skip regardless of where I’m going. Check out travelinsurance.com to compare policies.

Pick up a guidebook and a paper map. There’s a lot of history on this route and having something in your hands makes it more tangible than a screen. Sometimes you just want to pull over, open a map and figure out where you are the old fashioned way — and in Iceland, that’s not a bad way to spend five minutes. This National Geographic map or this DK Guidebook that comes with a map can help.

Leave no trace. The landscapes in Iceland are fragile in ways that aren’t always obvious. Stay on marked trails, respect the barriers and heed the warning signs. The government has actually had to permanently close some attractions because visitors went off trail and caused irreversible damage. The ground around geothermal areas especially is unstable and dangerous off the path. Take care of it so the next person gets the same experience you did.

FAQ

How Long Does it Take to Drive the Golden Circle?

The driving time alone is about three and a half to four hours without stops. With stops — and you will stop — plan on a full day, anywhere from seven to ten hours depending on how many places you want to visit. If you want to add hot springs, a farm stop or extra waterfalls, two days is a much better plan.

What is the Worst Month to Visit Iceland?

There isn’t really a bad month — just tradeoffs. January and February are the darkest months with only four to five hours of daylight, which seriously limits what you can do on the Golden Circle in a single day. Roads can also be icy and conditions unpredictable. The flips side is the landscape is breathtaking in snow and your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are higher. If you’re self-driving in winter, check road conditions at road.is before you go.

Should I Drive the Golden Circle or the South Coast?

Do both if you can — they’re completely different experiences. The Golden Circle is the easier day, more concentrated stops and very manageable as a solo self-drive. The south coast is longer, more dramatic and requires more planning and stamina. If you only have one day outside Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is the better choice. If you have two days, do the Golden Circle first and the south coast second — you’ll end the trip on a high.

One Day on the Golden Circle Is Never Enough

Iceland has a way of doing that — you think you’re just checking off a route and instead you end up standing on the side of the road at sunset wondering how you got this lucky. The Golden Circle is just the beginning, and Iceland hasn’t seen the last of me.

If it’s calling your name too, I’d love to help you plan it. Fill out this form and I’ll be in touch or feel free to send me an email. And if you’re still in the research phase, here are a few good places to start:

• Four Days in Iceland
• Things to Do in Reykjavik
• How Much Does it Cost to Go to Iceland

Takk Fyrir — and Góða Ferð. Thank you, and safe travels

See you on the road!