The Golden Circle: A Practical Guide

Start with fresh pastries in Hveragerði, then head into a landscape of colourful volcanic rock, erupting hot springs and roaring waterfalls. Our suggested Golden Circle route takes you from Hveragerði to Kerið, Geysir and Gullfoss, before finishing among the dramatic rifts of Þingvellir National Park.

Travelling in this direction can help you avoid the busiest crowds by reaching the main sights at different times from visitors who begin at Þingvellir. An early start helps too, although the stops can still be busy, especially in summer.

Hveragerði: Start at Almar Bakari

Make Hveragerði your first stop and ease into the day at Almar Bakari. Pick up fresh bread or pastries for breakfast, and something for later if you would rather spend your time exploring than looking for a lunch stop. The bakery is at Sunnumörk 2; check its website for current opening hours.

Kerið: A Colourful Crater Lake

Continue to Kerið, where red volcanic slopes surround a blue-green lake. Follow the marked paths for views into the crater and enjoy the contrast between the water and the rock. There is an entrance fee; check the official website for current prices and visitor information.

The Kerið crater, a round crater with red and brown slopes around a blue-green lake — Kerið: our first landscape stop after Hveragerði.

Geysir and Strokkur: Watch the Earth Come Alive

Next comes the steaming geothermal landscape of Haukadalur. The Great Geysir gave geysers their name, but nearby Strokkur is the active attraction, erupting every few minutes. Stay a little longer and watch the pool swell before the next burst of water shoots into the sky.

Keep behind the ropes and follow the marked paths: the water is extremely hot. This is also a convenient place to pause for lunch before continuing to Gullfoss.

Gullfoss: The Power of the Golden Falls

From Geysir, continue to Gullfoss, where the Hvítá river tumbles in two stages into a deep gorge. Take time at the viewpoints to appreciate the scale of the falls and the spray rising from below.

Gullfoss falling in two steps into a deep gorge, seen from above, with a footpath and visitors on the green slope beside it — Gullfoss and its gorge from above.

Bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. Follow open, marked paths and respect any closures; spray and ice can make the ground slippery.

Þingvellir: Finish Among Iceland’s Rifts

Finish the main sightseeing route at Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s parliament was founded around 930. Walk through the rift landscape and make time for Almannagjá and Öxarárfoss if conditions and daylight allow.

A narrow fissure between moss-covered lava walls, filled with clear water, at Þingvellir — One of the water-filled fissures in the rift valley at Þingvellir.

Check the park’s website for parking payments, walking routes and current visitor information. Ending here gives you a different rhythm from the usual Þingvellir-first route.

Going the Other Way? Finish at Reykjaböð

If you prefer to start at Þingvellir and travel through Gullfoss, Geysir and Kerið, Hveragerði makes a lovely final stop. Consider ending the day with a warm soak at Reykjaböð, at the foot of Reykjadalur. It is a relaxing way to round off a day of walking and sightseeing before heading back to Reykjavík.

Check available sessions and opening hours directly with Reykjaböð, and book ahead for your preferred time. Leave enough room in the day to enjoy the bathing stop without rushing.

Planning Your Day

Allow a full day for the route, including breakfast, walks and lunch. In winter, plan around the shorter daylight hours and be ready to change your stops if the weather or road conditions require it.

Check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting out. Use designated parking areas for photographs and keep to marked paths at each stop.

If you would rather leave the driving to a guide, explore our private Golden Circle tour. Contact our team about the route and extra stops you would like before booking; timings, admission and availability should be agreed in advance.