Golden Circle

Iceland, Europe

The Golden Circle is an iconic route in Iceland, celebrated for its stunning natural landmarks and rich geothermal activity. Visitors can marvel at the spectacular geysers in Haukadalur, stand in awe of Gulfloss waterfall's cascading tiers, and explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where tectonic plates meet. The landscape features bubbling hot springs, colorful fields, and mesmerizing views, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Region

Vibe

History

Airport

Akureyri

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Golden Circle

1

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Secret Lagoon

Relax in a natural hot spring bath.

Booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Kerið Crater Lake

Visit a colorful volcanic crater lake.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Þingvellir National Park

Explore the rift valley where two tectonic plates meet.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at the stunning two-tiered waterfall.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Fridheimar Greenhouse

Taste fresh tomatoes in a greenhouse setting.

Booking required
7

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Faxi Waterfall

Explore a lesser-known but beautiful waterfall.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hengill Volcano

Hike near an active volcano region.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Laugarvatn Fontana

Enjoy geothermal baths and wellness facilities.

Booking required
10

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Efstidalur II Farm

Taste homemade ice cream at a local farm.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Included in bill

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

10 (#8 globally)

Cost

Very Expensive

Currency

Iceland Krona

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Icelandic

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional dish. (National dish)

Skyr

V

Icelandic yogurt, thick and creamy.

Kjötsúpa

Hearty lamb soup with vegetables.

Pylsur

Icelandic hot dog, served with various toppings.

Rúgbrauð

VE

Dark rye bread, often served with butter.

Phrases to learn

English

Icelandic

Hello

Halló

(Ha-loh)

Yes/No

Ja / Nei

(Yow / Nay)

Thank you

Takk

(Tack)

Excuse me

Afsakið

(Af-sah-kith)

How much?

Hversu mikið?

(Kwer-soo mee-kith)