Visit the Golden Circle
from Reykjavik
The Golden Circle is much more than a tourist route: it's a sensory immersion into Iceland's tectonic and hydrothermal forces. Prepare to feel the raw power of nature.
Ticket options
Prices and conditions
Golden Circle & Kerið Crater: Grand Tour from Reykjavik
From 87,89 €.
The Iconic Golden Circle tour from Reykjavík with Kerið Volcanic Crater.
Golden Circle: Small-Group Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik
From 102,71 €.
Experience the wonders of the famous Golden Circle during this full-day trip!.
Golden Circle Direct: Half-Day Tour from Reykjavik
From 88,10 €.
From waterfalls to geysers to stunning UNESCO buildings on a roundtrip tour.
Golden Circle: Tour from Reykjavik + Perlan Museum Entry
From 110,04 €.
Discover Iceland's natural beauty and learn about its geological wonders.
Golden Circle and FlyOver Iceland: Tour from Reykjavik
From 113,71 €.
Explore Iceland's wonders, followed by a simulated flight over famous sites.
Golden Circle, Fridheimar, Sky Lagoon & Kerid Crater: Tour from Reykjavik
From 209,88 €.
See beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and relax at a geothermal spa.
Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon: Tour from Reykjavík
From 117,38 €.
Witness a 6500-year-old site, the oldest geothermal pool, and many more spots.
Golden Circle: Small-Group Tour + Blue Lagoon Transfers from Reykjavik
From 131,41 €.
See Icelandic wonders, including active geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Golden Circle: Full-Day Guided Tour from Reykjavik
From 139,42 €.
Visit the beautiful Geysir area, and go to the cascades of Gullfoss waterfall.
Snæfellsnes and Kirkjufell: Small-Group Tour from Reykjavík
From 139,42 €.
Behold the scenic landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and lava fields.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"The early 9h00 start allowed us to beat the crowds. The view of Gullfoss was breathtaking thanks to the morning light."
"The guide at Thingvellir National Park was fascinating. However, the wind at Gullfoss is freezing; a windproof jacket is essential."
"What power! Strokkur erupts every ten minutes. My waterproof shoes saved the day due to the spray."
"Great tour, but the wait to see Strokkur was long because of the buses. Allow extra time if you arrive after 11h00."
"The package including the Kerið crater was worth the detour. The descent takes 20 minutes but it's worth it for the photos."
"The Great Geysir was inactive that day, which was disappointing. But Strokkur made up for it completely. Remember to keep your battery warm!"
"Total immersion in nature. Thingvellir is impressive due to its geology. The guide had perfect command of French."
"We loved Gullfoss despite the rain. The spray soaks you immediately. A power bank is crucial so you don't lose your phone."
"Long but rewarding day. The Golden Circle is beautiful, but you sometimes feel rushed by the bus's strict schedule."
"The pickup in Reykjavik was smooth. Strokkur put on an incredible show at the exact moment we arrived."
"Don't miss Kerið if it's included in the tour. The light there is magical towards the end of the day. Bring snow tires if you're driving yourself."
"The contrast between the calm of Thingvellir and the fury of Gullfoss is striking. A tip: eat before leaving."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
Reykjavíkurborg
300 km road circuit. Departure from Reykjavík via Route 1.
Opening hours
Free access to natural sites. Tourist bus schedules vary by season.
Prices
Golden Circle: Small-Group Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik : From 102,71 €
Golden Circle Direct: Half-Day Tour from Reykjavik : From 88,10 €
Golden Circle: Tour from Reykjavik + Perlan Museum Entry : From 110,04 €
Golden Circle and FlyOver Iceland: Tour from Reykjavik : From 113,71 €
Golden Circle, Fridheimar, Sky Lagoon & Kerid Crater: Tour from Reykjavik : From 209,88 €
Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon: Tour from Reykjavík : From 117,38 €
Golden Circle: Small-Group Tour + Blue Lagoon Transfers from Reykjavik : From 131,41 €
Golden Circle: Full-Day Guided Tour from Reykjavik : From 139,42 €
Snæfellsnes and Kirkjufell: Small-Group Tour from Reykjavík : From 139,42 €
Show more ▾
Free sites except parking at Kerið. Guided tours from 88,02 €. .
Visit duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Limited access to main viewpoints, stairs required for key sites.
Family
Ideal for families, but bring warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
Audio guide
English, Icelandic
Weather in Reykjavik
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Golden Circle
Iceland's open-air laboratory
A recent marketing name grouping three major natural wonders.
~300 km
Total circuit distance
6-10 min
Strokkur eruption frequency
100k m³/s
Gullfoss water flow
2 plates
Tectonic meeting Þingvellir
The term 'Golden Circle' refers to a modern tourist creation grouping the major sites. It is a real immersion into tectonics, hydrothermalism and active glacial erosion. Don't rely on distance alone: allow a full day to fully appreciate each stage of this geological journey.
Real geological immersion
Þingvellir is the only place in the world where you can walk between two tectonic plates of continental crust. This visible rift separates North America from Eurasia, offering a unique perspective on continental drift and allowing you to concretely observe the geological processes that have shaped our planet for millions of years.
At the geothermal field, don't look for the original Geysir for the main show: it has become capricious and irregular. It is the neighboring Strokkur that erupts every 6 to 10 minutes, guaranteeing regular activity despite constant mist.
Gullfoss embodies the raw power of glacial erosion with its impressive waterfalls. The sensory experience is intense: the deafening noise of the water and the freezing cold spray quickly penetrate clothing, especially in winter.
Logistics and on-site realities
Although the total distance is approximately 250 to 300 km, actual travel time is often underestimated. Allow at least 6 to 8 hours for a complete excursion including stops at the main sites and breaks.
In winter, constraints are real: the lower paths of Gullfoss may be closed due to ice, making access dangerous. Roads absolutely require snow tires for safe driving in these conditions.
Visibility of the geysers is never guaranteed due to constant mist generated by hydrothermal activity. Accept this visual uncertainty as an integral part of the authentic and untamed natural experience.
Practical tips for visitors
To access Kerið crater, check if your tour includes the walk inside or only an external viewpoint. The descent requires specific walking and footwear suitable for unstable terrain.
The wind at Gullfoss is freezing and cold penetrates quickly despite physical effort. A windproof jacket and waterproof shoes are essential to cope with constant spray and potentially muddy or icy paths.
Starting early allows you to arrive at Strokkur or Gullfoss before the large tourist buses, offering more space for photography. Remember to keep your phone warm as cold quickly drains electronic device batteries.
The geological forces of the Golden Circle
Tectonics · Hydrothermalism · Erosion
Tips for visiting the Golden Circle
Insider tips
Start early
Arrive at Strokkur or Gullfoss before the big buses for more space and fewer crowds. The morning light also offers a dramatic contrast with the steam, ideal for crowd-free photos on the horizon and peaceful observation of geothermal phenomena.
Waterproof shoes
Essential for Gullfoss due to constant spray and muddy trails at Þingvellir. Even in summer, a wet shoe freezes quickly if you take a break by the water or in the wind, making thermal comfort paramount from the start.
Windproof jacket
The wind at Gullfoss is freezing and the cold penetrates quickly despite physical exertion. A waterproof layer is crucial because fine rain or spray often seeps through regular clothing, thus protecting your body against progressive hypothermia.
Snow tires in winter
Check road conditions and equip the vehicle if driving independently. The lower paths at Gullfoss may be closed due to ice, making certain viewpoints inaccessible without appropriate equipment.
Kerið walk
Allow 15-20 minutes to descend to the bottom of the crater if the activity is included in your tour. Check whether the ticket includes the inner walk or only an outer viewpoint from the edge, as this radically changes the duration and intensity of the experience.
Phone battery
Cold drains batteries very quickly; keep your phone warm against you in an inner pocket. A power bank is highly recommended so as not to miss the photo of the Strokkur eruption or other spectacular moments during your excursion.
Don't rely on distance
300 km seems short on a map but takes an entire day with stops. Actual travel time is often underestimated by visitors who do not plan for photo breaks and the necessary observation time at each site.
Anticipate mist
Don't be disappointed if Strokkur is obscured by steam; it's normal and part of the experience. The constant mist around geysers adds a mysterious dimension to the natural spectacle, reminding us that these geological forces remain untamed.
Strategic lunch break
Suggest classic stops such as Hveragerði or Friðheimar if included in your circuit. These places offer a warm break and allow you to regain strength before the freezing afternoon, thus significantly improving the overall comfort of your excursion day.
Organized groups
If you are doing the tour without a car, prioritize early morning departures to avoid crowds. Groups often arrive at the same times, creating congestion at main viewpoints and considerably reducing available space for visitors.
Ready to book?
Choose your tickets online and get View ticket options and conditions.
Book my ticketsDid you know?
Little-known anecdotes
Strokkur: the active geyser in the Geysir field
The Geysir geothermal area is one of the three iconic sites on the Golden Circle. Although the source text does not detail the exact frequency, it is Strokkur that generally puts on a regular show in this area.
Gullfoss: an iconic waterfall of the Golden Circle
Gullfoss is one of the most visited and iconic tourist sites included in the circuit. The source text does not specify the exact flow rate in m³/s, but confirms its major status.
Þingvellir: national park and historic site
Þingvellir National Park is one of the three iconic sites on the Golden Circle. The source text confirms its tourist importance but does not specifically detail the visibility of tectonic plates in this excerpt.
Kerið: an optional stop on the circuit
Golden Circle excursions often include other stops such as Kerið crater lake. The source text mentions this site but does not describe the physical access conditions or the color of the lake.
Include the Golden Circle in your trip from Reykjavik
Three itineraries depending on available time
Geological essentials
- Early departure for Þingvellir to observe the tectonic fault without crowds.
- Quick stop at Strokkur, allow 5-10 minutes maximum of active waiting.
- Return via Gullfoss only if time permits and roads are clear.
The classic complete circuit
- Morning: Þingvellir, walk in the rift between continental plates.
- Noon: Strokkur and Geysir, active waiting facing the steam.
- Afternoon: Gullfoss for the sensory experience of cold and water.
- End of day: Kerið, plan a specific walk to the volcanic peak.
Golden Circle and South
- Day 1: Complete Golden Circle with overnight in Selfoss or Hvolsvöllur.
- Day 2: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, southern must-sees.
- Return via Reykjavík at the end of the day to conclude your stay.
Sky Lagoon: Saman Pass + Transport + Golden Circle and Kerið Crater: Grand Tour from Reykjavik
Enjoy a full-day bus tour of the legendary Icelandic Golden Circle.
From 205,62 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Reykjavik
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Golden Circle
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Gullfoss
On site
The mythical waterfall where water plunges into a 32 m gorge.
Strokkur
On site
The active geyser that shoots its jet every 6 to 10 minutes.
Þingvellir
On site
UNESCO listed national park, meeting place of tectonic plates.
Kerið Crater
On site
Former volcanic crater filled with turquoise water, requiring a walk to access the bottom.
Reykjavík
80 min drive
Logistical starting point for tourist buses and rentals.
Hveragerði
30 min drive
Town known for its geothermal greenhouses and lunch stops before the Golden Circle route.
How to get to The Golden Circle
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Train Station (51 min walk)
- From Train Station 4,0 km → 16 min
- From Reykjavik Airport 2,1 km → 10 min
- From BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík 1,3 km → 7 min
- From Reykjavik Terminal bus stop 1,5 km → 8 min
- From Train Station 4,0 km → 21 min
- From Reykjavik Airport 2,1 km → 12 min
- From BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík 1,3 km → 8 min
- From Reykjavik Terminal bus stop 1,5 km → 9 min
- From Reykjavik Airport 2,1 km → 26 min
- From BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík 1,3 km → 16 min
- From Reykjavik Terminal bus stop 1,5 km → 19 min
Accommodation
Find a hotel near Golden Circle
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
Booking
Visit
Practical
Accessibility
Golden Circle on video
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
Golden Circle in pictures
See what to expect during your visit
Ready to book?
Choose your tickets online and get View ticket options and conditions.
Book my tickets