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The Golden Circle is a popular sightseeing loop in southwest Iceland, linking three major sites within reach of Reykjavik: Thingvellir, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss. Together they show off the geological forces that shape Iceland, from tectonic rifts to erupting hot springs and powerful waterfalls. The route also passes farmland, lava fields and historic church sites.
At Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Almannagja gorge runs along the edge of the North American plate, and the Law Rock marks where Iceland's parliament, the Althing, met from around 930. The Oxararfoss waterfall and the small Thingvellir church sit within the old assembly site, while divers and snorkelers explore the clear waters of the Silfra fissure. In the Haukadalur valley, Strokkur erupts every few minutes beside the now mostly quiet Geysir. Gullfoss tumbles in two stages into a deep canyon. Many travelers add smaller stops: Faxi waterfall, the blue waters of Bruarfoss, the historic bishopric at Skalholt, and Kerid, a volcanic crater with a colorful lake.
The loop can be done in a day, but staying overnight allows quieter visits. Winter driving demands caution and short daylight, while summer brings long evenings.
WiserMap travel guideGolden Circle Iceland Thingvellir Geysir and GullfossPlan Iceland's Golden Circle: Thingvellir's rift valley, Silfra, Geysir and Strokkur, Gullfoss, Kerid crater, hot springs, farm food and winter driving.Read the guide
Almannagja is a long rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, and you walk along its floor between rock walls. Nearby, the Law Rock marks where the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, met from 930. The Hakid visitor center at the top has exhibits.
The small white Thingvellir church, built in 1859, stands beside the farm buildings and the river Oxara at the heart of the old assembly grounds. Nearby is a plot where national poets are buried. Signs mark the ruins of booths where chieftains camped during the Althing. It is a short walk from the gorge.
Skalholt was Iceland's main religious and cultural center for about 700 years, and the seat of a bishop from 1056. The current cathedral, finished in 1963, has modern stained glass and a mosaic altarpiece, and a short underground passage leads to an old stone coffin. Concerts are held in summer.
Oxararfoss is a waterfall where the river Oxara drops over the edge of the Almannagja rift into Thingvellir National Park. A short path from the P5 parking area leads to a viewing platform. It is fuller in spring and early summer. Paths can be icy in winter, so wear shoes with good grip or bring ice cleats.
Gullfoss, the Golden Falls, is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, where the Hvita river drops in two stages into a deep canyon. Paths lead to an upper viewpoint and down close to the falls, where spray drifts over you. There is a visitor center with a cafe. The lower path can close in winter due to ice.
Faxi is a wide waterfall on the Tungufljot river, about 12 kilometers from Geysir, often less crowded than the main stops. It has a salmon ladder on one side and a short path down to the falls. A small parking fee may apply. It is an easy roadside stop between Geysir and Skalholt.
Bruarfoss is a small waterfall famous for its bright blue water, which splits into many channels before falling into a narrow crack. It is reached by a marked hiking trail of about 3.5 kilometers each way from a parking area off the main road, or a shorter walk from a paid lot. Paths can be muddy, so wear boots.
The Haukadalur valley holds bubbling hot springs and steaming vents. The Great Geysir gave its name to all geysers but rarely erupts now, while nearby Strokkur shoots water up to about 20 meters every five to ten minutes. Stay behind the ropes, as the water is boiling. A visitor center sits across the road.
Laugarvatn is a lakeside village with Laugarvatn Fontana, a spa of geothermal pools and steam rooms built over natural vents, where staff bake rye bread in the hot ground. Near Fludir, the Secret Lagoon is a natural hot spring pool from 1891. Both make a relaxing end to a Golden Circle day. Bring a swimsuit.
Hveragerdi is a small town built on a geothermal area, known for greenhouses that grow vegetables and flowers with natural heat. From the valley above it, a hiking trail of about 3.5 kilometers each way leads to Reykjadalur, a warm river you can bathe in, with boardwalks and changing screens. Stay on the marked paths.
Silfra is a water-filled crack between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, where you can snorkel or dive in extremely clear glacial water with visibility of over 100 meters. Tours provide drysuits, and the water is about 2 to 4 degrees Celsius all year. You must book with a licensed operator in advance.
Kerid is a volcanic crater lake about 3,000 years old, with red and black slopes around a blue-green pool. A path circles the rim in about 15 minutes, and stairs lead down to the water. A small entrance fee is charged. It sits beside Route 35 on the way back to Reykjavik and works well as a final short stop.
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