Iceland's most famous route, easily done from Reykjavik.
The Golden Circle is the perfect introduction to Iceland, a loop of three star attractions plus a few rewarding extras, all within an easy day of the capital.
You can follow it at your own pace by car or join a guided tour, with time to add a geothermal soak or a greenhouse lunch.
A suggested route you can follow at your own pace.
Begin where Iceland's parliament met a thousand years ago, walking the rift valley between two continents.
Stops: Thingvellir
Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes among steaming springs and bright mineral pools.
Stops: Geysir
Stand beside the thundering two tier falls, often crowned by rainbows, the grand centrepiece of the loop.
Stops: Gullfoss
Finish at the colourful Kerid crater lake, then unwind in the Secret Lagoon or at Laugarvatn before returning to the city.
Stops: Kerid · Secret Lagoon · Laugarvatn
Build it your way, with local operators through Bókun.
We can help you turn this itinerary into a booked trip, pairing a rental car or transfers with day tours and activities from trusted Icelandic operators through Bokun. Tell us your dates and we will tailor the route to you.
Quick answers for planning.
Yes, the loop is about 300 kilometres and fits comfortably into a day from Reykjavik, by car or on a guided tour.
Yes, the roads are paved and open year round. A rental car gives you freedom to linger and add stops like Fludir or Laugarvatn.
Popular add ons include the Secret Lagoon at Fludir, snorkelling Silfra, a greenhouse lunch, and snowmobiling on Langjokull.