Golden Circle Self-Drive: The Complete Route Guide

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular day trip for good reason. In roughly 230 kilometres you will see a rift between tectonic plates, a geyser that erupts every few minutes, and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Most visitors do it as a guided tour, but driving it yourself opens up a completely different experience.

The Route at a Glance

The classic loop starts and ends in Reykjavik, heading northeast on Route 36 to Thingvellir, then east to the Geysir geothermal area, south to Gullfoss, and back to the capital via Route 35 and Route 1. It is one of several excellent day trips from Reykjavik, and can be combined with the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for a longer adventure. Total driving time without stops is around three hours. With stops, plan for six to eight hours. For help choosing the right season, see our month-by-month guide to visiting Iceland.

You can drive the loop in either direction, but starting with Thingvellir in the morning means you arrive before the tour buses. Most guided groups hit Thingvellir by 10am, so an 8am departure from Reykjavik gives you a solid head start.

Thingvellir National Park

This is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, creating a visible rift valley. The Almanagjá gorge walk is the main attraction: a paved path between towering lava walls that takes about 30 minutes. The old parliament site (Althingi, founded in 930 AD) sits at the base of the gorge, marked by a flagpole and information boards.

Park in the P1 car park near the visitor centre. Parking costs 750 ISK (paid via app or card machine) and covers all car parks within the national park for the day. There is no entry fee for the park itself.

Silfra, the crystal-clear fissure where you can snorkel between the continents, is located within the park. Snorkelling tours must be pre-booked and cost around 20,000 to 25,000 ISK.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The geothermal field at Haukadalur is home to Strokkur, which erupts every five to ten minutes, sending a column of boiling water 15 to 30 metres into the air. The original Great Geysir (which gave all geysers their name) is mostly dormant but still steams impressively.

The area is free to visit. A well-marked boardwalk loop takes about 20 minutes, passing bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and mineral-stained ground. The on-site Geysir Centre has a cafe and gift shop.

Stand upwind of Strokkur to avoid the spray, and watch for the blue bubble that forms just before each eruption. That is the moment to have your camera ready.

Gullfoss

The "Golden Waterfall" drops 32 metres in two stages into a narrow canyon. On sunny days, rainbows arc across the mist. In winter, the falls are partially frozen, creating an entirely different but equally dramatic scene.

There are two viewing platforms: the upper one gives a panoramic overview, while the lower one brings you right to the edge of the cascade. Both are accessed via a short walk from the car park. The site is free, and there is a small cafe at the top.

Hidden Stops Most People Miss

  • Kerid Crater: A 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake with vivid red and green slopes, located just off Route 35 on the return leg. Entry is 400 ISK
  • Bruarfoss: A striking blue waterfall reached via a short trail near Geysir. Follow signs from Route 37 to the marked trailhead (about 3 km walk)
  • Efstidalur Farm: A working dairy farm with a restaurant overlooking the cow barn. Their ice cream is made on-site
  • Fridheimar Tomato Farm: A geothermally heated greenhouse where you eat tomato soup surrounded by tomato plants. Booking is essential in summer
  • Laugarvatn Fontana: A geothermal spa on the shore of Lake Laugarvatn, far less crowded than the Blue Lagoon

Practical Tips

  • Fuel: Fill up in Reykjavik or Selfoss. There are petrol stations near Geysir and on Route 35 but not at every stop
  • Road conditions: The Golden Circle is on paved roads year-round. In winter, check road.is for ice warnings
  • Car type: A standard 2WD car is perfectly fine for this route in any season
  • Best time: Start early (before 9am) to beat tour buses, or go late afternoon for golden light at Gullfoss
  • Duration: Allow a full day if you want to include the hidden stops. The core three sites can be done in five hours