Golden Circle Stops

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular driving route, known for its iconic landmarks and easy access from Reykjavík. This page highlights all the main Golden Circle stops, along with a few lesser-known stops that are well worth visiting. For a broader overview of the route and how to plan your trip, you can read our complete Golden Circle guide.

Þingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most important historical and geological sites. It sits directly on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the few places in the world where visitors can walk between two continents.

The park is also the location of Iceland’s first parliament, established in 930 AD, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights include:

• Almannagjá rift valley
• Öxarárfoss waterfall
• Silfra fissure for snorkeling and diving
• panoramic views over Lake Þingvallavatn

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring the main walking trails.

The Geysir geothermal area is home to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 5–10 minutes and sends boiling water up to 20–30 meters into the air.

The original Great Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide, is mostly inactive today.

Walking paths lead through a landscape of steaming vents, bubbling pools, and mineral-rich ground.

Typical visit time: 30–45 minutes

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The powerful glacial river Hvítá plunges into a deep canyon in two dramatic stages.

Several viewing platforms allow visitors to see the waterfall from different angles, and on sunny days the mist often creates large rainbows.

Typical visit time: 30–45 minutes

Kerið is a volcanic crater lake formed around 6,500 years ago. The crater’s red volcanic rock contrasts with the blue water inside the crater, creating a striking landscape.

Visitors can walk around the rim or descend to the lake.

Typical visit time: 20–30 minutes

Brúarfoss is known for its bright turquoise-blue water and narrow cascade. It is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the region.

Reaching the main viewpoint requires a short walk from the parking lot, which helps keep the area quieter than many other waterfalls along the route.

Typical visit time: 45–60 minutes

Located along the Tungufljót river, Faxi is a wide and peaceful waterfall that is often overlooked by travelers.

A parking area sits right beside the falls, making it an easy and quick stop along the Golden Circle. A fish ladder beside the waterfall helps salmon travel upstream during the summer months.

Typical visit time: 15–20 minutes

Friðheimar is a greenhouse restaurant where tomatoes are grown year-round using geothermal energy.

Visitors can enjoy tomato soup, fresh bread, and other dishes while dining inside the greenhouse surrounded by tomato plants.

Typical visit time: 45–60 minutes

The Secret Lagoon in Flúðir is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool and offers a relaxed, natural bathing experience.

Steam vents and small geysers bubble around the pool area.

Typical visit time: 1–2 hours

Located on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, Fontana offers geothermal steam baths, hot pools, and scenic lake views.

Visitors can also see traditional Icelandic rye bread baked underground using geothermal heat.

Typical visit time: 1–2 hours

Laugarás Lagoon is a relatively new geothermal bathing spot located in the village of Laugarás along the Hvítá river.

The lagoon provides a peaceful environment surrounded by countryside and is a relaxing stop along the Golden Circle.

Typical visit time: 1–2 hours

Skálholt was one of Iceland’s most important religious centers for centuries and served as the seat of a bishop during the medieval period.

Visitors can explore the cathedral and the surrounding historic grounds.

Typical visit time: 30-45 minutes

Efstidalur is a family-run dairy farm where visitors can enjoy fresh ice cream made from milk produced on the farm.

The restaurant overlooks the cow barn, making it a fun stop for families.

Typical visit time: 20–30 minutes

Gljúfrasteinn was the home of Halldór Laxness, Iceland’s Nobel Prize–winning author.

The preserved house now operates as a museum where visitors can learn about his life and work.

Typical visit time: 30–45 minutes

Laugarvatnshellir is a historic cave where Icelandic families once lived during the early 20th century.

Visitors can learn how people built a home into the rock and what daily life was like here.

Typical visit time: 20–30 minutes

Brúarhlöð is a scenic canyon carved by the Hvítá river. The viewpoints offer dramatic views of basalt formations and powerful river currents.

Typical visit time: 15–20 minutes

Hrunalaug is a small natural hot spring near Flúðir that offers a quiet place to relax away from larger geothermal spas.

Typical visit time: 30–45 minutes

Haukadalsskógur, located near the Geysir geothermal area, is one of the larger forest areas in southern Iceland and offers walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints.

Typical visit time: 30–45 minutes

Sólheimar is a sustainable eco-village focused on organic farming, environmental responsibility, and community living.

Visitors can explore walking paths, art workshops, cafés, and small galleries.

Typical visit time: 30–60 minutes