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Our detailed Golden Circle Iceland map shows all the popular attractions on this legendary route. We have also included top detours such as geothermal pools, picturesque waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and scenic valleys to help you navigate your trip with ease! There's nothing like seeing all these natural wonders in one day.
Map of Golden Circle Iceland route and attractions. Source: Arctic Adventures.
This map can provide ideas for extra stops along the loop, so don’t overlook the detours.
For a handy offline option, you can also find all the main highlights and stops on our printable map of Golden Circle Iceland. Take it with you on your travels!
Discover Iceland's world-famous natural wonders on your adventure tours along the Golden Circle.
Starting from Reykjavik, explore a national park where you can walk between two tectonic plates. Then, travel east to a hot spring area where a geyser frequently erupts.
Finally, head southwest to a huge waterfall that drops into a deep canyon. Each of these stops is worth a visit and is unique in Iceland's landscape.
Coordinates: 64.2822° N, 21.0764° W
The first must-see on the map is Þingvellir National Park, which is the most historically and geologically significant attraction of them all.
From the Silfra Rift to Althing (Alþing), there are so many places to visit within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thingvellir is a geological wonder where two continental plates break apart.
Coordinates: 64.3167° N, 20.2999° W
Next is the second must-see place - the Haukadalur Geothermal Area. Here, you'll find world-famous geysers: the sleeping Great Geysir and active Strokkur.
Watching the hot water shoot high into the air every 4-10 minutes is very exciting! And the bubbling mud with colorful hot springs are unique and beautiful - it feels like an alien landscape.
Coordinates: 64.3271° N, 20.1199° W
Finally, as you approach the Golden Waterfall, prepare to see one of the most impressive views up close!
The enormous waterfall plunges into a deep canyon. The water sometimes looks golden because of the sediment in it, and the sound it makes crashing down is really loud and impressive.
Enjoy river rafting just below the mighty Gullfoss - a fantastic rafting spot in a spectacular canyon!
When exploring Iceland's famous loop, we recommend taking detours to discover hidden gems. You’ll find cultural sites, stunning waterfalls, and soothing hot pools that allow you to escape the crowds of the main highlights and fully enjoy Iceland’s beautiful wilderness.
Near Selfoss town on Iceland's Golden Circle, the enormous crater Kerið is the perfect point to finish the route.
You can easily reach it on your way back to Reykjavik. You'll be amazed by the stunning colors of this crater - the red volcanic rock of the caldera against the turquoise-blue water is captivating!
Get your entrance ticket to the Crater Lake area here.
Located close to Fludir town on the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon is another must-visit destination for a nice swim in its warm waters.
The lagoon is Iceland's oldest natural pool, dating back to 1891. It is located in a geothermal area, so you can even see a small erupting geyser nearby!
The pool complex is a great and unique place in the middle of the sightseeing path.
It is located on Lake Laugarvatn, between Thingvellir and Geysir. Here, you can bathe in the geothermal waters that Iceland is so famous for and enjoy a sauna with steam rooms.
Skalholt is a historic site with deep cultural significance - the perfect addition to your one-day Golden Circle itinerary.
It was an important place for pilgrimage, religious ceremonies, and learning about Christianity in Iceland. You can explore the ancient cathedral at the historic site and imagine life centuries ago.
Located in Reykholt village, Geothermal Tomato & Horse Farm is a unique place to eat. You can dine inside a greenhouse surrounded by tomato plants. It's a fun way to taste fresh food and see how Iceland grows tomatoes with Earth’s energy.
Learn more about the main destinations and hidden gems in our Golden Circle Iceland travel guide, with practical tips to help you prepare for your adventure.
Instead of driving back and forth from Reykjavik the same way, most people do a loop, as shown on the map.
It can be driven either way, counter or clockwise. The roads, even the smaller ones, are generally in good condition, so your trip will be nice and easy. Watch out for road signs that will direct you to points of interest.
Exploring the Golden Circle on your own is a fantastic road trip. It’s usually best to go clockwise and visit Þingvellir first. Get there early to avoid the crowds.
You’ll mostly follow the Ring Road (Route 1) while connecting to scenic drives that lead to geothermal areas and stunning waterfalls.
Here are self-driving directions to the main attractions for a smoother journey.
› Start in Reykjavik and head east on Route 49 (Hringbraut) for approximately 5.6 mi (9 km).
› Continue onto Route 1 (Vesturlandsvegur/Þjóðvegur 1).
› Follow Route 1 for approximately 25 mi (40 km) until you see signs for Route 36 (Þingvallavegur).
› Take the exit onto Route 36 towards Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park.
› Leave Thingvellir National Park and head south on Þingvallavegur for 3.4 km (2.1 miles).
› Continue straight onto Gjabakkavegur/Route 365 and follow it for 14.3 km (8.9 miles).
› At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Laugarvatnsvegur/Route 37 and continue for 24.2 km (15.0 miles).
› Continue onto Route 35.
› Geysir (Haukadalur Geothermal Area) will be on the left after approximately 5.2 km (3.2 miles).
› From Geysir, continue east on Route 35 (also known as Biskupstungnabraut).
› Follow Route 35 for about 6 mi (10 km) until you reach the Gullfoss parking area.
› Drive southwest from Gullfoss on Route 35.
› After 34.4 mi (55.4 km), look for signs indicating the turn for Kerid Crater Lake. Signs will direct you to the parking area.
› From Kerid, continue on Route 35 for 7.8 mi (12.6 km) until it merges with Route 1 (Suðurlandsvegur) towards Reykjavik.
› Follow Route 1 for 32.6 mi (52.4 km) all the way back to the Capital city.
The Golden Circle in Iceland has three main stops: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Additionally, there are about five extra attractions, including Kerid Crater, Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, Faxi waterfall, the Secret Lagoon, and Skálholt Cathedral. This brings the total number of stops to approximately eight.
Visiting this famous trail in Iceland is generally free, as there is no charge to access the main attractions. However, there are some costs to consider, such as parking fees at Þingvellir National Park (around $5-6 USD), entrance fees for optional stops like Kerid Crater ($3 USD) and Laugarvatn Fontana Spa ($27 USD), and transportation expenses including car rental and fuel. Additional costs may include food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Exploring the attractions of the Golden Circle is well worth your time! It's packed with unique sights that are close together. You'll find geothermal areas and impressive waterfalls along the way. Whether you go on a guided Golden Circle tour or drive yourself, it's a great introduction to Iceland's nature and history.
Doing the entire Golden Circle in Iceland usually takes a full day. You'll spend about 6 to 8 hours driving and exploring the sights. This gives you plenty of time to soak up the views, take epic photos, and maybe even eat some traditional Icelandic food.
If you take the most popular loop option, the Golden Circle route in Iceland covers about 150 miles (242 kilometers). For a more direct trip from Reykjavik to three main stops and back along the same road, it's about 140 miles (230 kilometers). If you decide to make additional detours, the total distance is about 186 miles (300 kilometers).
