13 Best Places To Visit In Iceland's Golden Circle
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 8 minutes
By: Shaun
The Golden Circle in Iceland is a famous tourist route in southern Iceland. It is a 300-kilometre (186-mile) loop that takes visitors to some of the country’s most iconic attractions. This article will go through why this is a must-do trip while in Iceland, along with the 13 Best Places to Visit in Iceland’s Golden Circle.
Why Should You Visit the Golden Circle?
One of the reasons why the Golden Circle route is so popular is that it allows visitors to admire some of the best attractions Iceland has to offer in a short amount of time.
The trip can be done very easily in a day, so it’s totally worth the effort to rent a car and explore the area on your own. In addition, many local companies offer guided tours from Reykjavík that include stops at the most beloved attractions. However, if you have more time, the Golden Circle has attractions that justify staying a few days in the area, or else chill out at the end of the day at the Blue Lagoon baths.
What are the top attractions in Iceland’s Golden Circle?
1. Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater | Image by Chris Johnston on Flickr
Starting your day and located about 50 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík, Kerið (pronounced Kerid) Crater. This volcanic crater is estimated to be over 3,000 years old, making it much younger than its counterparts found around Iceland.
This difference in age is the reason why the crater sides have a red hue from the iron deposits present in the rocks. The water in the lake at the heart of the crater comes from the underground water table and the teal-colored water creates a stark contrast against the surrounding rocks.
2. Strokkur
Strokkur | Image by Andreas Tille on Wikimedia Commons
Driving further inland than Kerið Crater, one cannot miss one of Iceland’s most epic spectacles. A visit to the Strokkur geyser is a must on any Golden Circle itinerary. The show happens every 10 minutes, so simply find a good spot and prepare your camera while you wait for the pressure to build, which will eventually result in boiling water being thrown up to 15 metres (50 feet) in the air.
Strokkur’s bigger brother, rightly called The Great Geysir, is currently inactive as the hotspot that fuels the eruption has moved from under it, but it is expected to come back to life sometime in the future. The Great Geysir Eruptions blew water up to 70 metres (229 feet) in the air and caused the surrounding ground to shake when they were active hundreds of years ago.
Strokkur and the Great Geysir are part of the larger Haukadalur geothermal field, which consists of several other geysers and mud pots.
3. Gullfoss
Gullfoss | Image by Ruth Hartnup on Flickr
Gullfoss (meaning “Golden Falls”) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beautiful waterfalls. The Hvítá river falls around 32 metres (105 feet) through this wonderful double waterfall.
The first cascade drops the water by 11 metres (36 feet), before the water drops sharply a further 21 metres (69 feet).
There are two parking lots near the Gullfoss waterfall. One is near a café and visitor centre; however, about 500 metres before this main parking area, there is a fork that leads to another car park closer to the waterfalls.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for both its natural beauty and historical significance, as it is the site of the world’s first democratic parliament, the Althing.
Thingvellir is situated in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates where the valley widens at a rate of about 2 cm per year.
The park is home to many geologic wonders, including lava fields, hot springs, and waterfalls, and visitors can hike or bike on the park’s many trails.
4. Almannagja
Almannagja | Image by Silverkey on Wikimedia Commons
Almannagja is a narrow canyon that attracts many visitors from all over the world every year. What makes this site so popular is that it provides the unique opportunity to walk between tectonic plates.
The trails at Almannagja are not too hard, and visitors can hike to the bottom of the canyon and cross the river. Alternately, one can hike along the rim and take in the views from above. Regardless of which route one takes one will surely be in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds them.
5. Silfra
Silfra | Image by Francisco Antunes on Flickr
Silfra is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers and is considered one of the best diving sites in the world due to its unique geology and crystal-clear waters.
The site offers a truly unforgettable experience, as visitors can dive or snorkel between two tectonic plates and explore the incredible underwater landscapes. The water is so clear that it’s possible to see for many metres in every direction, making it a truly awe-inspiring experience.
6. Öxarárfoss
Öxarárfoss | Image by Laurette Chapuis on Pixabay
Situated as well in Thingvellir National Park is Öxarárfoss which takes its name from the river Öxará which feeds the waterfall. The waterfall is 13 metres (44 feet) high and averages a width of around 6 metres (20 feet).
While Öxarárfoss can be visited all year round, expect to see a lot of people during the summer. If you visit in winter, you can find the entire waterfall frozen, and expert climbers are known to scale it.
7. Laugarvatn
Laugarvatn | Image by Salvor Gissurardottir on Wikimedia Commons
Laugarvatn is a small town known for its natural hot springs and geothermal activity, which have attracted visitors for centuries. The town of Laugarvatn is situated on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, a large lake that is popular for swimming and boating in the summer months. The lake is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with towering mountains and rolling hills in the distance.
One of the main attractions in Laugarvatn is the Fontana Spa, a geothermal spa that offers a variety of hot spring baths and steam rooms. In the same locations as the spa, one can also experience a unique tour where you get to make and taste rye bread that gets baked by leaving it buried in hot black sand found in the area.
8. The Glanni Waterfall
Glanni | Image by Bromr on Wikimedia Commons
The Glanni (meaning brightness) waterfall is small compared to other waterfalls but drops in three stages.
The river that feeds Glanni is one of Iceland’s most popular fishing rivers because it is dense with salmon and other kinds of fish. Salmon are frequently seen jumping into the waterfall and climbing the man-made steps built to aid them in their upstream journey.
9. Paradisarlaut
Close by Glanni is Paradisarlaut (also known as Paradise Hollow). Paradisarlaut is a serene oasis located in the midst of a mossy lava field. The sound of water trickling from under the lava and the rustling of the wind in the bushes create a peaceful atmosphere.
While the water in the pond is often cold, it can still be very refreshing to dip your toes in on a warm summer day. It is also a perfect spot for a picnic.
10. Viðgelmir Lava Cave
Viðgelmir Lava Cave | Image by David Jones on Flickr
Viðgelmir Lava Cave is located beneath the Hallmundarhraun Lava Field. It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption that occurred in 930 CE and is the largest lava cave in Iceland. The cave is 1585 metres (5200 feet) long and 16.5 metres (52 feet) wide at its widest point.
The lava cave is known for its very spacious interior, which is very different from the typical tight and dark atmosphere of many other lava caves. After getting through a short and narrow tunnel at the entrance, the cave opens up into a wide chamber filled with vibrant colours and impressive rock formations. In winter, the cave is also home to beautiful ice formations.
11. Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar | Image by Björn Austmar Þórsson on Pexels
Hraunfossar (meaning Lava Falls) is a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. The area around Hraunfossar used to be the site of a lot of eruptions and is well known for its hidden caves.
There are several ways to experience Hraunfossar. Visitors can take a short walk along the path that runs alongside the waterfalls, or they can take a boat tour to get a different perspective of the falls.
12. Barnafoss
Barnafoss | Image by Stéphanie Perrin on Flickr
Another site very close to Hraunfossar is Barnafoss waterfall. Its close proximity, however, does not mean that it is similar to Hraunfossar, and actually, it could not be more different. With terrifying force, Barnafoss rushes down a tiny, rocky valley, foaming and churning dramatically.
According to folklore, these rapids caused a tragedy for two boys from a nearby farm who were bored at home and tried to cross an ancient stone bridge that crossed the falls in order to meet their parents at church. The boys felt dizzy due to the height and fell into the river below.
13. Skálholt Church
Skálholt | Image by Andrew Stawarz on Flickr
Skálholt is a church that dates back to the 12th century. It served as the centre of Christianity in Iceland for over seven centuries and was considered one of the most important religious and cultural centres in the country. Today, Skálholt still remains an important symbol of Iceland’s history and cultural heritage and continues to be a place of worship for the country’s Christians.
Visitors can explore the beautiful interior and learn about its rich history at the Skálholt Cathedral Museum, which features many religious artefacts and documents, artwork, and various other historical relics.
Conclusion
Iceland’s Golden Circle is a must for anyone visiting Iceland. This route passes through some of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders, like the Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall, without missing Thingvellir National Park.
Whether you’re a frequent or first-time visitor to Iceland, the Golden Circle is sure to leave anyone with memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not miss in Iceland's Golden Circle?
When travelling to Iceland, visitors should definitely not miss the eruptions of Stokkur at the Geysir Geothermal Area, the Gulfoss Waterfall, and the many attractions at Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park.
How long should you spend in the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle route can be easily done in one day and will give you ample time to visit the main attractions in the area. However, there is much more to discover in the area, so you might consider spending a few days in the area.
Is it possible to complete the Iceland Golden Circle by bus?
Yes, it is possible to complete Iceland's Golden Circle by bus, and there are several tour operators that offer guided bus tours of the route. Do keep in mind that this option may not be as flexible as renting a car.
Can I visit the Iceland Golden Circle in the winter?
Yes, you can visit the Iceland Golden Circle in the winter, but be prepared for the shorter daylight hours. Some of the stops, such as Gullfoss, may also be closed due to snow and ice.
Is it possible to hike in Þingvellir National Park?
Yes, there are several hiking trails in Þingvellir National Park which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park's stunning natural scenery and historical sites on foot.
Do you need a 4x4 to drive the Golden Circle?
No you do not need a 4x4 to get around the Golden Circle.
