Golden Circle Parking Guide: Where to Park at Every Stop

By Stefan Bessi

Local Travel Expert

Last updated: June 25, 2026

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Intro

Parking rarely crosses people’s minds until they arrive at their first stop on the Golden Circle.

Where should you park at Þingvellir? Do you need the Parka app? Is parking free at Gullfoss? Which car park is closest to the main viewpoints? Can you leave your camper overnight?

Parking along the Golden Circle is straightforward, although each attraction works a little differently. Þingvellir National Park has several parking areas spread across different parts of the park, while Gullfoss and Geysir have more compact parking setups. Parking is free at some attractions, while others require a small parking fee.

A little planning before you arrive can save time and help you avoid unnecessary walking at the busiest stops.

This guide covers the main parking areas at every major stop on the Golden Circle, including parking fees, payment options, walking distances, and practical tips to help you plan your day.

Overview: Golden Circle Parking

Before You Start Driving

Parking on the Golden Circle rarely causes problems, but a little planning before leaving Reykjavík can make the day easier.

Parking areas are clearly marked and located close to the main attractions. In most cases, the walk to the main viewpoint takes only a few minutes.

A few smaller attractions are different, with parking located farther away to help protect the surrounding landscape. Brúarfoss is the best example, but it’s only a 5-minute walk from the official parking area to the waterfall.

Do You Need the Parka App?

Do You Need the Parka App?

Not necessarily, but it can save time at attractions where Parka is used.

Parka is a parking payment app used at several attractions across Iceland, including Þingvellir National Park.

After registering your vehicle, paying for parking takes less than a minute.

The app isn’t essential. Many attractions also accept payment through their website or at a payment terminal. Installing Parka before leaving Reykjavík simply makes the process quicker.

Parking at Þingvellir National Park

Which Þingvellir parking area should you choose?

P1 – Hakið

P1 is the main parking area at Þingvellir National Park and the best choice for most visitors.

It is located beside the Visitor Centre and provides easy access to the Hakið viewpoint, Almannagjá Gorge, the main walking trails, and the historic Alþingi site.

If this is your first visit to Þingvellir, P1 is where you should park.

P2 – Öxarársfoss

P2 is the closest parking area for Öxarárfoss waterfall.

From here, it’s only a short walk to the waterfall and nearby trails. If your main goal is to visit Öxarárfoss or explore this part of the national park, P2 is the most convenient option.

P5 – Valhöll

P5 is located near Þingvellir Church and the Valhöll area.

It is also commonly used by visitors joining snorkeling or diving tours in Silfra, as several operators use this part of the park as their meeting point.

Unless you’re visiting Silfra or Þingvellir Church, P1 will usually be the better choice.

Which Parking Area Should You Choose?

For most first-time visitors, P1 is the best place to park.

It offers the easiest access to the Visitor Centre, Hakið viewpoint, Almannagjá Gorge, and many of Þingvellir’s most important historical and geological attractions.

Choose P2 if your priority is visiting Öxarárfoss, and P5 if you’re heading to Silfra or Þingvellir Church.

Parking at Geysir Geothermal Area

Parking at Geysir is convenient, with a large public car park located directly beside Geysir Center. The geothermal area, restaurants, cafés, gift shops, and visitor facilities are all within a short walk.

Tour buses and commercial operators have designated parking areas, while self-drive visitors should use the public car park. Parking is paid through the Parka app, with clear payment instructions displayed on arrival.

Parking at Gullfoss Waterfall

Parking at Gullfoss is currently free of charge. During summer, the parking area can become busy around lunchtime, so arriving earlier or later in the day often makes parking easier.

Self-drive visitors should use the upper parking area beside the visitor center, café, and gift shop. Paved paths provide easy access to both viewing platforms. The lower parking area is mainly reserved for tour buses, commercial operators, and visitors with accessibility needs.

Parking on Common Stops at the Golden Circle

Parking at Kerið Volcanic Crater

Kerið has an on-site parking area directly beside the entrance.

The crater rim is only a one- or two-minute walk from the car park.

Visits to Kerið are usually fairly short, so parking spaces become available regularly throughout the day.

Parking at Brúarfoss

Brúarfoss is probably the Golden Circle attraction that causes the most parking confusion.

Years ago, visitors used to park along nearby roads or on private land. Today, all visitors are obligated to use the official parking area and follow the marked trail to the waterfall.

Parking elsewhere may block local access roads and disturb nearby landowners.

Brúarfoss Parking Overview

The trail is easy to follow, but the walk is longer than it first appears. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially after rain when parts of the trail can become muddy.

Plan to spend around an hour here, including the walk to and from the waterfall.

Parking at Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Friðheimar has a dedicated parking area directly outside the greenhouse restaurant.

Parking is reserved for restaurant guests, and the entrance is less than a minute from the car park.

The busiest period is around lunchtime, when guided tours and self-drive visitors often arrive within a short time of each other. If you have a reservation, arriving 10–15 minutes early usually makes parking easier and gives you time to look around before your table is ready

The parking area fills up quickly around midday, but spaces usually become available again as guests continue their journey around the Golden Circle.

Parking at Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon has a large on-site parking area directly outside the entrance.

From the car park, it’s less than a one-minute walk to reception.

The busiest time is typically between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM during summer, as many visitors stop here after completing the Golden Circle.

Parking at Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana has an on-site parking area directly beside the reception building.

The spa, restaurant, and geothermal rye bread tour are all less than a one-minute walk from the car park.

The busiest period is usually late afternoon, but the car park is large enough that finding a space is rarely an issue.

Parking at Efstidalur Farm

Efstidalur has an on-site parking area directly outside the farm buildings.

The restaurant, ice cream café, and dairy barn are all less than a one-minute walk from the car park.

The car park is busiest around lunchtime, but spaces usually free up quickly throughout the day.

Parking at Faxi Waterfall

Faxi has a small on-site parking area just a short walk from the waterfall.

From the car park, it’s only a one- or two-minute walk to the main viewing area.

Even during summer, finding a parking space is rarely a problem.

Parking Tips for Self-Drive Visitors

A few simple tips can help you avoid the most common parking mistake:

• Fuel up before you leave.
• Download the Parka app before leaving Reykjavík.
• Carry a payment card in case an attraction doesn’t accept Parka.
• Check whether parking fees apply before leaving your vehicle.
• Arrive at Friðheimar 10–15 minutes before your reservation if possible.
• Allow extra time for the walk to and from Brúarfoss.
• Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your car.
• Always use designated parking areas.
• Never stop on the roadside to take photos. Pull over only where it’s safe and legal to do so.

Parking with a Campervan

Most parking areas along the Golden Circle are suitable for campervans.

Overnight parking is not permitted at attractions unless clearly stated otherwise.

For overnight stays, use one of the designated campsites along the route.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Charging an electric vehicle on the Golden Circle is straightforward, with several fast-charging stations available along the route.

Fast chargers can be found in Selfoss, Laugarvatn and Flúðir, with additional charging points at selected hotels and service stations.

A fully charged electric vehicle is more than enough to complete the Golden Circle in a single day.

Common Parking Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistakes include:

• Parking outside the designated parking area at Brúarfoss.
• Forgetting to pay where parking fees apply.
• Parking in spaces reserved for tour operators at Geysir.
• Leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle.
• Stopping on the roadside to take photos instead of using designated parking areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking free on the Golden Circle?
Some attractions offer free parking, while others charge a parking fee. Payment methods and fees can change, so it’s worth checking before your visit.

Do I need the Parka app?
No. Most locations also offer payment through a website or payment terminal, but the Parka app is usually the fastest option where it’s accepted.

Which attraction has the largest parking area?
Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir all have large parking areas, but Gullfoss is generally considered the easiest to navigate thanks to its spacious layout.

Can I park a campervan at the attractions?
Yes. Most Golden Circle attractions have parking suitable for campervans. Overnight parking, however, is only permitted where it is specifically allowed.

Which attraction requires the longest walk from the car park?
Brúarfoss requires the longest walk from the official parking area, taking around 5 minutes each way.

Is accessible parking available?
Yes. Accessible parking is available at the major Golden Circle attractions, including Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and the main geothermal spas.