Iceland Golden Circle Self Drive: A Complete Guide (2025)

Affiliate Disclosure: This Iceland Golden Circle Self Drive Guide contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. 

INTRODUCTION

Discover everything you need to know about the Iceland Golden Circle Self Drive—one of our absolute favorite experiences in the country. This iconic route is a must-do on your itinerary, offering breathtaking landscapes and incredible sights along the way.

Use the menu below to find what you need quickly, but first, take a moment to watch this 1-minute video—it’s sure to get you excited for this epic Golden Circle drive Iceland adventure!

DRIVING GOLDEN CIRCLE ICELAND VIDEO

Can’t wait to see what’s in store? Get a quick sneak peek at the main attractions with our 1-minute video. 

WHY DRIVE THE GOLDEN CIRCLE ICELAND?

One of the most beautiful day trips in the world is driving the Iceland Golden Circle. In a single day, an Iceland Golden Circle self drive itinerary can take you from the capital of Reykjavík, to some of the country’s most mind-blowing geological features, including waterfalls, geysers, and hot springs.

My husband and I first decided on a Golden Circle Iceland self drive adventure because, to be honest, we aren’t really group tour people. (We’ve really tried.) We much prefer the flexibility of doing a road trip at our own pace. We like to stop where we want, when we want and for as long as we want.

On our first two trips to Iceland, we were also traveling with our kids. In addition to offering flexibility, self-driving the Golden Circle was much less expensive than doing a tour. All the major Golden Circle attractions are free to visit, so our costs were limited to a rental car, fuel, parking fees, and food.

The Golden Circle route can be done in 6-8 hours (with stops). It is actually quite an easy drive, on a flat and well-serviced road. The Golden Circle driving route also typically does not require four-wheel drive – unless you are driving it in the depths of winter.

NOTE: The Iceland Golden Circle Drive is not the same as the Iceland Ring Road Drive. The Iceland self drive Golden Circle route covers a 300 kilometer loop in southern Iceland, typically done as a day trip. The Ring Road route is a much longer loop (7-14 days) that takes you around the perimeter of the entire country.

SEE ALSO: A Guide to Self Driving the Iceland Ring Road

GOLDEN CIRCLE SELF-DRIVE – TOP ATTRACTIONS

One of the best things about driving the Golden Circle in Iceland is how much incredible scenery you can experience in just one day. This route showcases some of the country’s most spectacular geological wonders, including Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir), the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall—each offering a glimpse into Iceland’s unique natural beauty and dramatic landscapes.

1. THINGVELLIER NATIONAL PARK

This historical natural site was the location of Iceland’s first parliament. The Althing is thought to be the oldest democracy in the world (930 AD).

This location also has very unique geographical features as it is the meeting place of two tectonic plates. You can actually walk between the plates in the rift valley.

Thingvellir National Park (known in Icelandic as þingvellir National Park) is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iceland.

The Thingvellir Visitors Center has a large parking lot (with a small parking fee), public washrooms, a gift shop, cafe and restaurant.

Inside the Visitor Center, there is an interactive exhibition called Heart of Iceland where guests can experience the national park´s rich history and nature (approx. visit time 40 minutes).

Learn more at Thingvellir.is.

ADD ON ACTIVITY: SNORKEL BETWEEN TECTONIC PLATES

For a truly unique experience at Thingvellir National Park, consider snorkeling between the tectonic plates! This adventure departs from the P5 parking lot with Troll Expeditions, who provide all necessary snorkeling gear and a dry suit—essential for the chilly waters. They typically offer several different departure times during the day.

• Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents (3hr) – Viator.com

2. THE GREAT GEYSIR

This active geothermal field bubbles away, with the exciting main event being blasts of water spouting from The Great Geysir every few minutes (much to the delight of the crowd). It sometimes spouts as high as 60 meters!

TIP: Watch where you stand and which way the wind is blowing. It is not unusual for people to get wet when visiting Geysir geothermal area.

The geysers are located across the street from the Geysir Visitors Centre. Inside, there is a large gift shop, public washrooms, a restaurant, and a café. There is also a gas station if you need to fuel up.

While most people self driving the Golden Circle, Iceland do it as a day trip, the beautiful Hotel Geysir may have you reconsidering.

This lovely property gets rave reviews and would be a great way to see the attractions on the Golden Circle route before and after the day trip crowds. (During the summer months, Iceland gets as much as 21 hours of daylight in a 24 hour period, and the Golden Circle attractions do not close.)

Learn more and check rates on Expedia or Booking.com.

NOTE: Although beautiful, Hotel Geysir is very pricey. Two more affordable but highly rated hotels on the self drive Golden Circle Iceland route are Litli Geysir Hotel and Hotel Gullfoss.

3. GULLFOSS WATERFALL

When the sun peeked out from behind the clouds as we approached Gullfoss Falls for the first time, I thought I had found paradise. Fed by glacial waters, these falls drop into a 70 meter canyon. On a sunny day, you might even see a rainbow like this one!

The majestic Gullfoss is just as amazing in the fall and winter, although you will need to bundle up a bit. Waterproof and windproof clothing, as well as hiking shoes and/or ice cleats are a must to keep the experience enjoyable in inclement weather.

The Gullfoss Visitors Center has free parking, a gift shop, washrooms and a cafe/restaurant. (There is a small fee to use the public washrooms in the parking lot but the ones inside are free to paying customers.)

The Gullfoss parking lot is also the departure point for snowmobiling trips onto the Langjökull Glacier. While this isn’t typically something people include as part of the Golden Circle Iceland route, with it running year round, it is possible with the longer days. The tours depart daily at 2pm.

• Snowmobiling Adventure From Gullfoss (4hrs) – Viator.com

4. THE SECRET LAGOON

We’ve been lucky enough to visit quite a few geothermal pools in Iceland, but what sets the Secret Lagoon apart is how natural it feels compared to the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik. For those on a short trip, this pool offers an experience reminiscent of the remote hot springs found further afield in Iceland.

What we love most about The Secret Lagoon is how untouched it seems—boiling water bubbles straight from the earth, spilling down toward the pool. Coming from safety-conscious North America, this made the experience even more thrilling for our kids. That said, the natural setting comes with fewer barriers, so if you’re visiting with children, you’ll need to keep a close eye on them!

5. GORGEOUS ICELANDIC HORSES

While not officially a stop, you will see some of the most gorgeous Icelandic horses along the Golden Circle route.

This breed is unique to Iceland and has genetic traits that are perfect for Iceland’s terrain and climate. They even have two additional gaits beyond the traditional walk, trot, canter, and gallop—adapted to Iceland’s rugged landscape.

MORE GOLDEN CIRCLE ATTRACTIONS

While the three major attractions on any Golden Circle itinerary are Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, there are several other interesting stops to consider.

1. THE KERID CRATER

The Kerid Crater is a striking natural landmark formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Its near-perfect circular shape and steep walls create an awe-inspiring sight for visitors. If you are doing the full Golden Circle, the Kerid Crater is a good way to break up the long stretch along the bottom of the circular route.

The Kerid Crater is also a relatively quick stop.. It took us about 15 minutes to walk the entire rim.

2. FRIDHEIMAR RESTAURANT

Fridheimar Restaurant offers a unique dining experience centered around the vibrant flavors of tomatoes. Located within the Fridheimar Tomato Greenhouse in Hveragerði, guests can enjoy delicious dishes made from fresh, locally-grown tomatoes. Learn more at fridheimar.is

3. EFSTIDALUR FARM

Efstidalur Farm is a charming agricultural establishment nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Iceland. Guests can observe daily farm operations, watch milking demonstrations, and indulge in homemade ice cream made on-site. Learn more at efstidalur.is.

Love the idea of a farm stay experience? Efstidalur Farm also offers a guesthouse. See rates on Booking.com.

4. HRADASTADIR FARM

Hradastadir Farm and Petting Zoo is located on the Golden Circle drive in the town of Mosfellsbaer. At Hradastadir, guests can pet lambs, kittens, bunnies, calves, a friendly pig, horses, and chickens. Hradastadir Farm also offers horseback riding excursions and lessons.

Learn more and find opening hours at hradastadir.is

GOLDEN CIRCLE ICELAND DRIVING MAP

The self drive Golden Circle Iceland route is not particularly complicated. The roads are well-maintained, and key attractions are clearly marked along the way. And, quite frankly, there isn’t much else to distract you—except for the beautiful Icelandic horses.

Below I’ve include a driving map of the Golden Circle Iceland route from Reykjavík, with all my favorite stops marked. You can also click here or on the linked map for driving directions in more detail.

NOTE: If you’re wondering how long it takes to drive the Golden Circle in Iceland, it has taken us between 8 and 9 hours each time, including stops. Ironically, it hasn’t taken us any longer in winter since our stops tend to be shorter due to the wind and cold.

GOLDEN CIRCLE RESTAURANTS

There aren’t actually that many restaurants along the Iceland Golden Circle self-drive route to choose from. All three of the major attractions (Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysior) have cafe-style restaurants with decent (albeit pricey) food.

In addition, there is fan-favourite Fridheimar Tomato Greenhouse in Fludir (near the Secret Lagoon) where you can enjoy delicious tomato based fare (soup, pasta, pizza etc.) and freshly baked bread while seated in their unique greenhouse setting. It’s a little touristy, as most major tour groups stop here, but it’s still an enjoyable experience.

Also in the town of Fludir, or quite close by, you will find the highly rated casual restaurants Kaffihus Grund (sandwiches and burgers), Farmers Bistro (A mushroom buffet!) and Restaurant Mika (pizza).

For more upscale farm-to-table meal options on the Golden Circle Iceland self tour route, check out the restaurant at Hotel Geysir, The Linden Bistro or Efstidalur II(Efstidalur has delicious house-made ice cream too).

One more spot worth mentioning is the lovely food market at The Greenhouse Hotel, which features several restaurants. Here’s the catch—the timing can be tricky. Depending on your Golden Circle self-drive itinerary, you’ll either pass by it near the beginning or toward the end. It’s really quite pretty though, and may be worth taking a peek at during your adventure! It also has a beautifully curated gift shop

NOTE: For anything other than the cafes at the visitors centers and The Greenhouse Hotel Food Hall, I would highly recommend making reservations in advance.

HOW TO AVOID THE CROWDS

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular day trips and can get crowded, especially in the summer months. To avoid the worst of the crowds on your Iceland Golden Circle tour self drive, consider these strategies:

• Drive the route counterclockwise. Start with the Secret Lagoon and finish at Þingvellir National Park. Most bus and large group tours follow the clockwise route, so going against the flow helps you dodge the biggest crowds and bottlenecks.

• Focus on the top half of the route. If the Secret Lagoon isn’t on your list, drive straight to Gullfoss in the morning, then work your way back, stopping at Geysir and Þingvellir. This way, you still hit the major highlights while avoiding peak hours.

• Take advantage of long summer daylight hours. If you’re visiting in summer, consider a late afternoon start, returning to Reykjavík for an 8 or 9 PM dinner. Be aware that while Gullfoss, Þingvellir, and Geysir are open 24/7, their cafés and gift shops typically close by 6PM. The Secret Lagoon closes at 8 PM, so plan accordingly.

SELF DRIVING GOLDEN CIRCLE – CAR RENTALS

We have always chosen to rent a car from Keflavik International Airport for the full duration of our stays in Iceland. We have found this to be the most convenient and economical option, especially when you add in the cost of airport transfers.

Having a car in Reykjavik can also be handy to get to some of the local attractions such as the Sky Lagoon, The Perlan Museum and Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach. All three are just a short drive from central Reykjavík.

NOTE: Iceland has a reliable local transit system but no ride-sharing services like Uber. Taxis are available but most people avoid them as they are exceptionally expensive.

We prefer renting from local companies rather than international chains for our Iceland car rentals. This is partly because Iceland has unique car insurance requirements, and we find that local companies offer more transparency about what coverage is needed—often at a better price.

SEE ALSO: Tips for booking a rental car in Iceland.

We have been very happy with Lava Car Rental and have used them our 3 most recent trips to Iceland.

Alternatively, you could just rent a car for the day to do the Golden Circle drive. See: Car Rentals in Reykjavik (AutoEurope).

DRIVING THE GOLDEN CIRCLE IN WINTER

Yes, you can drive the Golden Circle in winter, but it’s essential to check road conditions before heading out. If you have a few days in Reykjavík, be flexible and pick the best weather day for your self-drive Golden Circle Iceland adventure. Having a golden circle drive Iceland map will also help you adjust your route if conditions change.

The most important thing to keep in mind when on on a winter self driving Golden Circle Iceland adventure is to dress appropriately. You will be spending most of your day outside, and you may experience wind, rain, sleet, and snow. If you wear a truly waterproof jacket, pants, boots or shoes, and a hat, you will be much happier. Ice cleats are also a good idea, as the walking paths at the attractions are often icy.

I took the following video during a Golden Circle self-drive in February at Gullfoss to give you an idea of what the wind and rain can look like. As you can see, it was difficult to even stand upright!

See also this Iceland Winter Packing List and guide to Winter Driving in Iceland.

SHOULD YOU TAKE A GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR?

Personally, I think self-driving the Golden Circle Route in Iceland is pretty straightforward, but if you’d rather relax on vacation, I highly recommend a small group tour. Many travelers prefer a golden circle tour Iceland self drive because it allows for total flexibility, avoiding the strict schedules of guided tours. Please note the emphasis on small—nothing can ruin a great day faster than being on a giant bus tour, in my humble opinion!

See the following highly rated Golden Circle small group tour options from Viator.com:

• Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Tour (8hrs)
• Golden Circle, Kerid Crater and Blue Lagoon Tour (11hrs)

Alternatively, several companies offer private, bespoke tours. For those, I recommend Hidden Iceland. Founded in 2016 by experienced guides , they sought to provide a more personalized and high-quality experience for guests. Their bespoke tours are pricey—even by Icelandic standards—but their reviews speak for themselves. (See recent experiences from guests on Tripadvisor).

LEARN MORE

Do you have specific questions about doing the Golden Circle Iceland by car? Please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, Facebook or by email.

Want to see more unique adventures? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!

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