A Comprehensive Guide to the Golden Circle in Iceland

There’s no shortage of things to do in Iceland. In fact, most visitors have the exact opposite problem: there’s too much to do and too little time. However, if you want to fit in the most variety of things to do in a shorter amount of time, driving the Golden Circle in Iceland lets you have your cake and eat it too!

A self-drive of the Golden Circle in Iceland is perfect, especially if you’re renting a campervan, with many attractions and activities along the route that let you experience key elements of Icelandic culture and heritage. There’s a reason it’s been a favorite among locals and visitors for decades. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about this stunning route in Iceland.

What Is the Golden Circle and Why It’s Perfect for a Campervan Trip

When it comes to road trips in the Land of Fire and Ice, the Golden Circle driving route is the most popular one, and for good reason. This route is packed to the brim with things to do and takes you to many of the country’s most unique and culturally important sites. 

While this route is popular with tour providers, it’s also an ideal option if you prefer to self-drive because of its ease of navigation. Many of the most popular attractions and activities in Iceland can be found in one form or another along this route, and the proximity of the Golden Circle to Reykjavík makes it convenient to add to your holiday, especially at the beginning or end.

Whether you treat driving the Golden Circle in Iceland as an introduction to the country or save it for the end, it’s a perfect choice for campervan travel. There are several campgrounds close to the route, and it’s easy to drive. Because the route is a loop, you can see a lot in a short time without having to backtrack. You can get it all done in one day, or stretch it out.

How Long Does It Take to Drive the Golden Circle?

Driving the Golden Circle in Iceland is an adventure that won’t demand too much of your holiday time. The route covers about 250 kilometers (155 miles) and is regularly completed in a single day by many tour guides. So, even though it may sound like a long distance, you can make it back to your desired campground within a reasonable time.

Overall, the Golden Circle takes about four hours to drive if you don’t make any stops along the way. However, there’s not much point in visiting if you’re not going to at least stop at the top three attractions. You can easily add at least an hour at each of the stops, but you can easily extend the trip with extra stops or by spending more time at the main stops, especially Þingvellir. It’s easy to spend a 10 to 12-hour day on the route.

Golden Circle Distance, Driving Time, and Road Conditions

A Golden Circle Iceland self-drive experience covers a total of 250 kilometers (155 miles) from start to finish. Even if you add a few extra stops, you won’t be driving much further because many of the stops are close to the main road. It’s also important to note that most of the roads in the Golden Circle are paved, making it easy to drive, no matter if you have a 2WD or 4x4 campervan for the trip.

The distance between sites in the Golden Circle is reasonable, so you won’t feel like you’re doing a lot of driving in between stops. Here’s a breakdown of the main stops along the route.

Golden Circle Map and Route Overview

Driving the Golden Circle in Iceland can easily start and end in Reykjavík or Selfoss. If you don’t have time to complete the circle, you can save a little time and distance by driving straight to and from Reykjavík without the detour through Selfoss. The following map will help you plan your trip around the main sights on the Golden Circle route, including Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.

Best Way to Drive the Golden Circle: Campervan vs Tour

Should you take a Golden Circle tour in Iceland or self-drive? The answer to this question really depends on the time of year you visit and what you’re comfortable with. For instance, if you’re visiting in the winter and not confident with driving in snowy and icy conditions, a tour may be your best option. However, the Golden Circle route is easy to drive, making it a perfect choice for a campervan road trip.

Spring through Fall are the easiest times to self-drive the Golden Circle route, but if the weather cooperates and there are no weather warnings in place, it is still relatively easy to drive in the winter. Road conditions are generally good, and the main roads are well-maintained. These roads are suitable for all types of vehicles, including campervans.

What to See on the Golden Circle Route

Now that you know a little bit about what the Golden Circle in Iceland is and how long it will take to explore it, we can start taking a closer look at the main stops, along with some of the add-ons you can consider adding to your itinerary.

Þingvellir National Park

The crown jewel of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. It is the most culturally and historically significant place in Iceland and the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world, the Icelandic Alþingi. The significance of Þingvellir National Park has also been internationally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know this isn’t just all talk!

Þingvellir National Park has a lot to offer visitors. The Þingvellir Exhibition in the main building provides all the information you need, and the park outside allows you to do things like walk between tectonic plates, visit Lawman’s Rock, and see the man-made Öxarfoss waterfall. It’s a great opportunity to stand where the Icelandic Vikings stood and get in contact with your inner adventurer.

There are numerous hiking paths to explore, the Silfra fissure where you can go snorkeling or diving, and more. 

Geysir Geothermal Area

Have you ever wondered why we call large holes of boiling water that erupt every so often like a very dangerous fountain “geysers?” While driving the Golden Circle in Iceland, you can visit the original geyser, Geysir. The name comes from the Old Norse word “geysa,” which means “to gush.” The first definitive accounts of this area can be found in Oddaverjaannáll, a chronicle from 1294, but the name Geysir first appears in sources from 1647.

In its glory days, Geysir would shoot a fountain of water roughly 170 meters up in the air. However, today, eruptions from this particular geyser are rare. Most of the recently recorded eruptions were induced using soap or by digging ditches around it. Thankfully, these practices have been banned for the sake of environmental conservation, but the result is a rarely erupting geyser.

Fortunately, Geyser isn’t the only geothermal feature in the area. The neighboring geyser, Strokkur, has become the main attraction. This geyser routinely erupts every few minutes in a striking 45-meter-high water column. You can hike the trails in the area to view other geothermal features, like hot springs and mud pots. 

Gullfoss Waterfall

Further north of the Geysir Geothermal Area, at the most northern point of the Golden Circle route, you’ll find the reason for the name behind the route. This is where the “Golden” part of the Golden Circle comes from, since the word “Gullfoss” literally translates to “the golden falls.”

The origin of the name of Gullfoss is debated. Some say it comes from the golden tint that the waterfall gets when the sun hits it at a specific angle. Others claim the name comes from a legend of Gygur, a Viking who is rumored to have thrown his gold into the waterfall. In either case, this is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the country, and the route wouldn’t be called the Golden Circle without it!

When visiting this waterfall during your Golden Circle self-drive, you can choose to view it from the upper platform or hike down to the lower trail to see it up close. There is also a gift shop and cafeteria if you’re up for some shopping or need a bite to eat.

Extra Stops Worth Adding When Driving the Golden Circle by Camper

While the above three stops are definite must-dos as you make your way around the Golden Circle in Iceland, you can easily extend your adventure with some extra stops. Many of these sights are close to the main route, so you won’t have to add a lot of driving time or distance to see more. Here are a few of the best stops to add to your Golden Circle itinerary.

Kerið Crater

On your way south from Gullfoss, there is a larger volcanic crater with a lake of deep blue water in it. This is one of the few places in Iceland where you will come across this hue of blue. However, since you can only see this color in the summer, we recommend you skip this stop if you drive the Golden Circle in the winter. The paths here can be icy and slippery in the winter as well.

Also, even though the water might look tempting, swimming is not allowed in Kerið, so save the swimwear for the hot springs. Likewise, in the winter, it is forbidden to walk onto the ice that may cover the lake inside Kerið. The ice is often thin, and the risk of breaking through is too high.

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

The first of the hot springs along the route is one with a long history. Hrunalaug Hot Spring lies on an Icelandic farm that is privately owned and maintained by the farmer, with three available pools. While visits were once by donation, there is now a fee of 3000 ISK ($24 USD/20 EUR) for adults, 2000 ISK ($16 USD/14 EUR) for children 11-15, and free for ages 14 and under. Guests are welcome during the posted opening hours and are requested to stay no longer than 90 minutes.

Hrunalaug Hot Spring requires a short hike to reach it, but the path is easy, and the area is private with amazing views from the pools. There are two small huts for changing and storing your belongings, along with a service building in the parking lot with restrooms, refreshments, and towel rentals.

The Secret Lagoon

The second (and larger) dip along the Golden Circle in Iceland is the Secret Lagoon. Even though the name may suggest otherwise, this is a poorly kept secret, which also happens to be a large swimming pool carved out of a mountain on top of a hot spring. It’s pretty cool, with fantastic views and even its own geyser next to the pool.

The Secret Lagoon has a long history and is loved by the Icelanders. But since it was almost completely forgotten for a while, people started referring to it as the “Secret Lagoon.” In the early 1900s, however, it was known as “Gamla Laugin,” which is Icelandic for “Old Pool.” At the time of writing, admission costs 4500 ISK ($36 USD/31 EUR) for ages 15 and up, 3300 ISK ($26 USD/22.5 EUR) for seniors age 67 and older, and 260 ISK ($2 USD/1.7 EUR) for children 14 and under. Swimsuit and towel rental is available.

Local Farms, Restaurants, and Villages

While driving the Golden Circle in Iceland, you will pass local farms, restaurants, villages, and other sites that are well worth the detour if you have time. This is one of the advantages of campervan travel through the Golden Circle. You will find no shortage of stops and can truly make this route one of the highlights of your trip. Here are some options to consider for your journey:

Farm-to-Table & Farm Experiences

• Friðheimar: A greenhouse tomato farm where you dine among the plants and enjoy delicious tomato-based dishes and drinks. Reservations are required, but if you can’t get one, the on-site wine bar is an option.

• Efstidalur II: A family-run dairy farm serving farm-to-table food and freshly made ice cream. You can dine while watching the cows in the barn.

• Farmers Bistro: An Icelandic mushroom farm serving a variety of dishes containing fresh mushrooms.

Restaurants & Cafés

• Lindin in Laugarvatn: The perfect blend of casual and upscale, with a vast menu of local favorites.

• The Old Dairy Food Hall in Selfoss: A traditional food hall with plenty of options for everyone.

• Skjól Bistro: A relaxed bistro at the Skjól Campground, where you can get burgers, pizza, and other casual fare.

• Restaurant Minilik in Flúðir: An Ethiopian restaurant with ethnic cuisine made with local ingredients.

You can also find food options at the three main Golden Circle stops.

Villages & Rural Stops

• Reykholt: A small historic village close to Gullfoss and Geysir, featuring traditional Icelandic charm, greenhouses, and hot springs.

• Laugarvatn: A laidback lakeside village with geothermal baths and lake views.

• Flúðir: A small town that houses big Golden Circle stops like the Secret Lagoon and Farmers Bistro.

Honorable Mentions

• Faxi Waterfall
• Helgufoss Waterfall
• Solheimar Eco-Village
• Bruarfoss Waterfall
• Slakki Petting Zoo
• Skáholt Church
• Laugarvatn Fontana Baths
• Brúarhlöð Canyon

Golden Circle Campervan Itinerary

As you plan your Golden Circle campervan itinerary, you will need to think about which sites you definitely want to visit and how long you want to spend in the area. While you can easily complete the main three stops in a day or less, if you want to truly enjoy it all, you should consider spending the night in one of the area campgrounds and expanding your itinerary to some of the less frequent stops. Here are some ideas to get you started:

One-Day Golden Circle Itinerary

First, you will tick off three main attractions while driving the Golden Circle in Iceland: Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. These can be taken care of in a day, and if you feel done after Gullfoss, just turn the Golden Circle into the Golden String and head back to Reykjavík. 

The first stop will be Þingvellir. Spend some time here to learn more about Iceland’s rich cultural history and maybe do a short hike in the canyon between the tectonic plates. Here, you can see where the Vikings assembled and maybe declare some new laws on the Law Rock while you’re there.

After that, you will continue to Geysir Geothermal Area and maybe stop along the way at Laugarvatn or Brúarfoss if you would like. The geothermal area will take some time to walk through, so ensure you have the time to properly enjoy it. You want to stay long enough to catch some of the eruptions from Strokkur and see (and smell) the bubbling pools of mud and sulfur.

When you’re done with the geysers, you can head over to Gullfoss waterfall to see water going down instead of up. It’s a tunning waterfall, but it usually doesn’t take much of your time. When you’re done here, head for Flúðir or Reykholt. 

If you go to Flúðir, you can take the opportunity to also visit Brúarhlöð and then Hrunalaug and/or the Secret Lagoon, depending on how much you like to swim. If you choose to go to Reykholt, you can stop at Friðheimar Restaurant for a unique dining experience. 

From there, you should make your way to Kerið Crater and stop at Skálholt Church for a quick picture. When you’re done exploring the crater, get back on the road and drive to Selfoss. You can then either return to Reykjavík or continue east on the Ring Road.

Two-Day Golden Circle Campervan Itinerary

If you want to spend the night in one of the area campgrounds, it’s easy to split your Golden Circle itinerary into two, adding more stops along the way. Like the one-day itinerary, begin your journey from Reykjavík and spend some time hiking in Þingvellir. The large paved lot is great for campervans. 

After Þingvellir, head to Brúarfoss waterfall. You can park in the free parking lot near the main road and complete the 7-kilometer round-trip hike, or drive down the gravel roadway to park closer to the waterfall. The longer hike is only available in the summer and early fall.

From Brúarfoss, continue to Laugarvatn Village. This is a great time to squeeze in a lunch stop and perhaps a dip at Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths. If you’re still up for another hike, the Valahnúkur Ridge above the lake offers beautiful views, especially if you time it for sunset.

Finally, choose a nearby campground to spend the night. 

On your second day, head for Geysir to watch Strokkur and hike through the other geothermal features. Continue to Gullfoss and walk both the upper and lower viewpoint trails. This location is beautiful all day, but the morning is one of the best times to see it.

After a lunch stop at Friðheimar or Efstidalur II, continue to Kerið Crater and either hike around the rim or walk down the stairs to see the lake up close. Finally, head to Flúðir for dinner and a soak at the Secret Lagoon. If you have some extra time, Skálholt Cathedral and Reykholt are worth a stop.

There are several campground options for your second night as well.

Where to Sleep When Driving the Golden Circle in a Campervan

One of the reasons driving the Golden Circle in Iceland with a campervan is a great choice is due to the number of nearby campgrounds. This area has plenty of great options, whether you only want to spend one night or prefer to really slow down and stay for a few nights. 

Some options to consider along the Golden Circle route include the following:

• Þingvellir – Nyrðri Leirar: An excellent base to see the park at sunset or early in the morning. The campground has basic facilities, including toilets and showers.

• Laugarvatn Camping: Located between Þingvellir and Geysir, this campground has basic showers, toilets, and electrical hookups. It’s close to town and Laugarvatn Fontana.

• Skjól Camping: This campground is close to Geysir and Gullfoss. It’s a popular spot that has a restaurant and bar on-site.

• Flúðir Camping: This campground is smaller and quieter than many of the other Golden Circle campgrounds. It’s close to the Secret Lagoon.

• Camping Selfoss: As you head out of the Golden Circle, the campground in Selfoss is a great place to spend the night before moving on. It has good showers and a kitchen space for cooking.

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Where to Eat and Stock Up Along the Golden Circle

Whether you’re looking to buy groceries to prepare your own meals in your campervan or want to treat yourself with a meal out, you’ll find no shortage of options around the Golden Circle route.

Notable Restaurants

If you want to enjoy a restaurant or cafe meal, you can find a number of places on your route, including the following:

• Friðheimar
• Efstidalur II
• Geysir Glima restaurant
• Geysir Centre
• Gullfoss Panorama Restaurant
• Farmers Bistro
• Lindin
• Kaffi Krús
• Pylsuvagninn
• Restaurant Varma
• Restaurant Mika

Grocery Stops

If you need to stock up your campervan before or during your Golden Circle self-drive, you can find several grocery stores in Sellfoss, including Krónan, Bónus, and Nettó. There are small stores in the smaller towns, including Samkaup and Krambúðin, but these stores have a limited selection and higher costs. It’s best to stock up in Selfoss or even Reykjavík before you get started.

Don’t forget about the affordable pre-made sandwiches, pastries, and other food items found in gas stations along the way.

Driving Tips and Practical Advice for Campervans

Driving the Golden Circle in Iceland is relatively easy, whether you’re used to driving a campervan or it’s your first time behind the wheel of one. The main roads are fully paved; you won’t have to worry about F-roads driving this route. The major attractions also have good parking lots with plenty of space for campervans and other large vehicles.

The most important thing to remember is to check the weather and road conditions before you go, paying close attention to wind speeds. Gusty winds can make driving a campervan more challenging. Be sure to park facing the wind when possible and hold onto your doors. 

Finally, make careful notes of the campgrounds you intend to stay in, especially if you’re visiting during the winter months. Not all campgrounds are open year-round, and you are required to stay in them. You can’t park wherever you please to spend the night.

Best Time of Year to Drive the Golden Circle

The best time of year to drive the Golden Circle in Iceland, especially in a campervan is between June and August. In the summer, all the campgrounds are open, and you get plenty of daylight, nearly 24 hours in June and early July. However, it is also the busiest season, so you can expect higher prices and bigger crowds.

The shoulder seasons of May and September bring fewer visitors and lower prices, but some of the campgrounds may be closed. The nights are cooler, and driving conditions are often good, but you should watch for unexpected storms.

The good news is that visiting the Golden Circle with a campervan in the winter is still possible, especially if you have good winter driving experience. The most important thing to remember is that fewer campgrounds are open, so you have to plan carefully. Also, be mindful of the weather and any road closures to keep you safe during your journey.

Is the Blue Lagoon Part of the Golden Circle?

Officially, the Blue Lagoon isn’t part of the Golden Circle route, but it pairs well, which is why many tour providers end their Golden Circle tours with a stop at the Blue Lagoon. If you’ll be heading back to Reykjavík, it’s easy to take a short detour and spend some time soaking at the Blue Lagoon before heading to the campground for the night.

Final Tips for Driving the Golden Circle with a Campervan

You can drive the Golden Circle in Iceland at any time throughout the year. But the summer is going to offer the best weather and scenery. Unless you want to lean back and not have to think about planning your trip, driving yourself will be the best option. All you need to do is rent a campervan in Iceland and start your adventure!