Time to read: 5-7 min | Tags: planning, time management, parking, landmarks, snacks.
If you are departing from Reykjavik, please consider planning your departure time carefully. Leaving in the morning allows you plenty of time to enjoy the sights. For fewer crowds, consider leaving very early or later in the day—but keep in mind that during winter, daylight lasts only about 4–6 hours, so timing your start well is important. Check out weather conditions (vedur.is) and road status (safetravel.is) to ensure safe travel before heading out, particularly during winter.
Golden Circle Clockwise Route (Classic).
First stop: Þingvellir National Park (45-60 minutes from Reykjavik).
Your journey along the Golden Circle starts with a visit to Þingvellir National Park, which is roughly 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Reykjavik or about a 45–60 minute drive (depending on weather, road conditions, and traffic). Þingvellir National Park offers several parking areas.
P1 – Hakið: Situated near the Visitor Center at the upper end of Almannagjá. The parking spot provides quick access to the information center, restrooms, and historical sites. It’s usually the busiest and most crowded, especially during summer and peak hours.
P2 – Efri-Vellir: Located on the eastern side of the Öxarárfoss fissure. This parking area is close to the waterfall. It offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking swift access to these attractions.
P3 – Langistígur: 1 km (0.6 miles) north of Öxarárfoss waterfall. It’s usually less crowded in this parking area. Additionally, it has hiking trails that lead into the park, making it a good choice for tourists who want to walk around and take in the local natural beauty.
P5 – Valhöll: Close to the Silfra fissure and Þingvellir Church. The Silfra fissure, a well-liked location for diving and snorkeling, is only a short stroll from this parking lot. For people who plan to engage in water activities, it’s a practical option.
As of 2024, all vehicles in the park are subject to a daily parking fee of 1,000 ISK. Once you’ve paid the fee, it allows parking in any of the lots within the designated areas. Payment can be made at self-service machines located in the parking areas or online through this website: https://www.checkit.is/en/thingvellir/thingvellir-pay. The payment system uses license plate recognition, so there’s no need for physical tickets.
The parking fee at Þingvellir National Park helps cover the costs of maintaining and operating the park’s parking areas. This fee is collected under regulations approved by the national park’s board. A valid parking payment allows you to park for the entire day in any of the official Þingvellir parking areas (P1–P3 and P5). Visitors with a valid disabled parking permit are exempt from payment but must register their vehicle to avoid automatic charges. These procedures can be done in person at the Visitor Centre at Hakið or by e-mailing reikningar@thingvellir.is or thingvellir@thingvellir.is.
One of the first sights you will likely see when you get to Þingvellir is the Almannagjá Gorge, a rift valley that separates the border between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological feature is essentially a crack in the Earth’s crust, making the two continents gradually drift apart by nearly an inch (2.5 cm) each year. One of the park’s main features is Þingvallavatn Lake, which is Iceland’s largest natural lake. It’s a wonderful place to snap some scenic photos while taking in clear and still waters in the rugged landscape.
If you’re looking for a quick lunch before continuing your journey, you can stop by the cafeteria at the Tourist Information Centre, which offers light refreshments like coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
Time at Þingvellir: Plan to spend around 1 hour here, including time for a stroll through Almannagjá Gorge and a visit to the Þingvellir viewing platform, which offers stunning views over Þingvallavatn Lake. The Þingvellir Visitor Centre also provides informative exhibits about the history and geology of the park.
Second stop: Geysir Geothermal Area (1-hour drive from Þingvellir).
To get to the Geysir Geothermal Area, continue east on Route 36 after Þingvellir and then change to Route 35. This leg of the journey is about 60 kilometers (37 miles), and it takes approximately 45–55 minutes to drive. Upon arriving, you’ll find a large parking lot on the right side of the road, directly adjacent to the Geysir Center. This lot is suitable for both cars and buses, and as of 2024, parking fees start at ISK 1,000 per vehicle, payable online: Parka. The Geysir Center, situated across the street from the geothermal area, serves as the main information hub. It offers features, such as a souvenir shop with Icelandic brands and bathroom facilities.
The main attraction at the Geysir Geothermal Area is the active Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, sending boiling water up to 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) into the air. The eruptions are a spectacular sight to behold and make for great photo opportunities. While Strokkur is the most active geyser, be sure not to overlook the dormant Geysir, after which all other geysers are named. When active, it used to erupt water as high as 70 meters (230 feet). The geothermal area also has steaming vents, hissing fumaroles, and boiling mud pots. With its vibrant colors and rising steam, the entire area is a visual feast.
Time at Geysir: Plan to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the Geysir Geothermal Area. The nearby Geysir Center provides convenient access to parking, visitor information, and several dining options. You can enjoy a warm drink or a light snack at the café, dine at Restaurant Glíma, or stop by Geysir Bistro for a relaxed meal before continuing your journey.
Third stop: Gullfoss Waterfall (10- to 15-minute drive from Geysir).
After leaving Geysir, it’s a short drive to the final stop on the Golden Circle, Gullfoss waterfall. The drive is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) and should take no more than 10-15 minutes to drive. There are two visitor parking lots available, one for private cars (upper lot) and buses and one for buses only (lower lot). Upper Parking Lot: This lot offers quick access to both Gullfoss Visitor Center and the waterfall. The Lower Parking Lot is designated only for buses and tour operators. Parking is free.
The Gullfoss Visitor Center is located near the upper parking lot and serves as the main hub for information and its amenities. It has a gift shop, a café, and hygienic restrooms. The Visitor Center is open every day, although hours may vary during seasons.
Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic and powerful waterfalls. With a total drop of 32 meters (105 feet), the waterfall cascades in two stages. The waterfall first descends approximately 11 meters (36 feet) and then plunges 21 meters (69 feet) into the deep canyon. The sheer power of the falls is quite an awe-inspiring thing to witness, and seeing the water surging through the gorge is quite spectacular. There are several viewing platforms offering different perspectives of the falls. You might even catch a rainbow emerging in the mist of the waterfall on a sunny day. The site is stunning year-round, with winter bringing a beautiful contrast as the falls take on a snowy white costume.
Time at Gullfoss: Spend approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour here to fully appreciate the beauty of the majestic waterfalls, explore the viewing platforms, and visit the visitor center.
After your visit to Gullfoss, it’s time to return to Reykjavik. Head south on Route 35 until you merge onto Route 1 (the “ring road”), which will take you back to Reykjavik. The drive is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) and takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Things to keep in mind.
Optional Stops: Beyond the main stops of Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, the Golden Circle offers a few memorable detours. Visit Kerið volcanic crater with its vivid red slopes, enjoy a fresh tomato lunch at Friðheimar greenhouse, or unwind in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon. For nature lovers, Brúarfoss waterfall adds a touch of serenity with its bright blue water—perfect for those who like to explore a little beyond the classic route.
Self-Drive Adventure Vehicle Choice: Depending on the time of year, a 4×4 SUV is recommended for winter months due to potentially icy or snowy roads. For summer and autumn, a standard car is generally sufficient, though an SUV is a good option if you want to explore further into the highlands, for example, Kjölur highland road.
Weather: Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, so always check forecasts before heading out. Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear to stay comfortable, especially if you intend to get close to the waterfalls.
Time Management: Daylight in Iceland changes dramatically with the seasons. In the winter, you might only get a few hours of light, while in the summer, the sun barely sets. Make sure to plan your stops around the light—especially if you’re driving in winter. You can check current sunrise and sunset times here.
Fuel and Food: Make sure your vehicle is fueled up before starting your journey. There are few gas and charging stations along the way, but you could save time and avoid unnecessary detours by filling up in Reykjavík before you start your journey. While there are food and drink options along the Golden Circle, it can be wise to stock up on snacks and drinks at supermarkets like Krónan or Bónus before you leave the city—it could save you some money.
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