Iceland · Regional guides
Golden Circle
Þingvellir’s rift valley and the Strokkur geyser, from the day we rented a car on the last full day of my Iceland trip.
Photo: Spencer Everett / Unsplash
Know before you go
Best time & quick facts
- Best time
- June to August for long days; winter tours run too, with short daylight
- Budget
- $200–$400 USD/day
- Getting around
- Rental car (paved roads, about 230 km for the loop from Reykjavík) or a guided day tour.
Get oriented
The overview
The Golden Circle is the classic loop inland from Reykjavík. On the last full day of our August 2023 trip, David, Gabby and I rented a car and drove it ourselves. At Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we walked through the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian plates, past the site of the old Althing parliament and Öxarárfoss.
Then we drove on to the Haukadalur geothermal area. Geysir itself is mostly dormant now, but Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and we watched it go off again and again between the bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Gullfoss waterfall is the usual third stop on the loop. We headed to the Reykjanes Peninsula instead.
Tours for this area
- Golden Circle tours: if you’d rather not drive, guided day trips from Reykjavík cover Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
Read the full day in my Iceland itinerary.
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Guides & stories
Discover more from this destination, one place and one story at a time.
Discovering Iceland: A Week in the Land of Fire and IceIceland has always held a special allure for me—a land where fire and ice coexist in stunning harmony. During my week-long adventure, I found myself captivated by its otherworldly landscapes: bubbling geysers, majestic glaciers, and dramatic volcanic craters that seemed to tell stories of ancient forces at play. Each day unfolded new wonders, from hiking along breathtaking cliffs to soaking in natural hot springs. Join me on this journey as I share the unforgettable experiences and moments that made my time in Iceland truly magical.Explore the guides 
How Much 5 Days in Iceland Costs: A Realistic BudgetHow much do 5 days in Iceland cost? Estimated budgets per person, from food and the Blue Lagoon to tours and a rental car, based on my August 2023 trip.Explore the guides 
What to Pack for Iceland in Summer: My Packing List and Printable ChecklistWhat to pack for Iceland in summer, from my August 2023 trip: layers, rain gear, footwear, swimwear for the Blue Lagoon, a sleep mask for the midnight sun, adapters, money, documents and a printable checklist.Explore the guides - Is the Guide to Iceland 5-Day Summer Package Worth It? My Honest ReviewIs Guide to Iceland’s 5-day summer package worth it? My honest review after doing it in August 2023 with friends: what’s included, how it felt, package vs self-drive, approximate costs, pros and cons.Explore the guides
Highlights
- The rift valley between two tectonic plates at Þingvellir
- Öxarárfoss and the Almannagjá gorge
- Strokkur erupting every few minutes at Haukadalur
Weather in Golden Circle
Inland and a little colder than Reykjavík in winter. Summers are mild with long daylight.
Best time to visit: June–August for the longest days and easiest driving.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
Map of Golden Circle
Places from this trip — tap a pin for details