Perhaps the most traveled stretch of road in all of Iceland, the Golden Circle is a popular driving route that showcases some of the most recognizable features in the Land of Fire and Ice. Rushing waterfalls, powerful geysers, soaring geologic formations and more … this classic tour takes between three to four hours to complete and is one of the region’s most sought-after day trips. Whether they rent a car or opt for a guided tour, at less than an hour outside Reykjavik travelers will find the Golden Circle is easily accessible and totally worthy of a visit.
Ready to plan your big adventure? Here are five stops on Iceland’s Golden Circle you won’t want to miss.
Almannagjá
Most Golden Circle adventures begin at Þingvellir National Park, the backdrop for establishing the world’s first parliament in 930 and the birthplace of Iceland. While the park has great historical significance and is mainland Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, today’s visitors flock there to admire its bevy of geologic wonders, including Almannagjá, the spot where the North American and Eurasian plates divide forming a continental rift. Almannagjá is one of the only places in the world where you can be in two places at once (literally), and travelers will be happy to know getting there is easy as the trail is short and conveniently situated near the Visitor’s Center parking lot.
Silfra Fissure
Also located in Þingvellir, Silfra is a fissure that doubles as the only place you can swim between two tectonic plates. This geologic wonder was first discovered in 1789 following the movement of the North American and Eurasian plates and is filled with crystal-clear spring water originating from Langjökull, a massive glacier 37 miles outside the park. Since opening to divers and snorkelers in 1966, Silfra is thought by many to be one of Earth’s top dive sites. Interestingly, despite frigid temperatures, Silfra is open throughout the year with brave visitors donning dry suits and flippers to conquer the cold descent.
Öxarárfoss Waterfall
Iceland is famous for its waterfalls and visitors eager to start chasing them won’t want to miss one more essential stop at Þingvellir: Öxarárfoss. While not the largest in the Golden Circle, more on Gullfoss later, Öxarárfoss is a sizable waterfall at 44 feet tall. In warmer months, this spot acts as the perfect backdrop for striking photos while in the winter it doubles as a site for professional ice climbing. Does Öxarárfoss look familiar? Pop culture fans might recognize the scenic cascade and other spots throughout the park from scenes in HBO’s ultra-popular series “Game of Thrones.”
Geysir Geothermal Area
Marked by the faint smell of sulfur and the magnificent spray of boiling water, Geysir Geothermal Area is a fascinating sight 40 minutes northeast of Þingvellir. Home to bubbling mud pits, smoking fumaroles and several active geysers, the bustling geothermal field attracts thousands of visitors annually. Despite sharing its namesake with Geysir, a now mostly dormant hot spring, the main event at this natural area is Strokkur, Iceland’s most active geyser which erupts every four to 10 minutes.
Gullfoss
The Golden Circle’s namesake and one of Iceland’s most recognizable features, Gullfoss, aka “Golden Falls,” is an exciting conclusion to this iconic route. Gullfoss is a magnificent display of nature’s raw power as water originating from Langjökull travels the Hvítá River before plummeting 105 feet into the rugged Hvítárgljúfur Canyon which stretches 1.5 miles and reaches depths up to 229 feet. With multiple viewing points, this stop allows for plenty of photo ops, but prepare to get wet as up to 459 cubic feet of water surges down the falls every second. Talk about a splash zone!
Bonus Stops
While Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss are considered the main highlights along the Golden Circle, travelers looking to add even more fun to their itinerary won’t want to miss these bonus stops along the way. Beginning with Iceland’s iconic hot springs, visitors looking to get their soak on will be happy to learn the Golden Circle is home to two busy geothermal areas: Laugarvatn Fontana and Secret Lagoon. Located in Laugarvatn and Flúðir, respectively, the two spas offer very different experiences with Laugarvatn Fontana being more upscale and Secret Lagoon more rustic. Pro tip: Laugarvatn Fontana’s onsite bakery is worth a visit, and travelers won’t want to miss sampling their traditional Icelandic rye bread.
Alternatively, if they left their swimsuits behind, a quick detour on Road 35 will take travelers to two additional noteworthy sights: Friðheimar and Kerid Crater. Said to feel more like Italy than Iceland, Friðheimar is a family-owned and operated tomato farm in Reykholt. Here, visitors can learn how tomatoes are grown before dining amongst the famous plants and indulging in a flavorful menu. About 20 minutes south, travelers will find Kerid Crater, a curious crater lake formed over six thousand years ago when a volcano collapsed inward forming a caldera. The crater is open year-round and, upon paying a small entrance fee, visitors can hike to its base and trek the lake’s perimeter.
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