The Golden Circle is the most popular area to visit in Iceland

The Golden Circle is the most popular area to visit in Iceland, and for a good reason. This area has many of Iceland´s trademark attractions, such as the Gullfoss waterfall, the geyser field at Haukadalur, and the historic and beautiful site of Thingvellir. There is a good selection of hotels and other forms of accommodation on the Golden Circle. However, since demand is high, I recommend booking accommodation early. By subscribing to my newsletter here below👇🏼, you can save on renting a car or camper van rental.

Also, check out my curated list of curated Golden Circle tours.

Map of the Golden Circle road trip plan

Part 1 – Golden Circle road trip plan – Start in Reykjavik

Most people pick up their rented car at Keflavik airport and then drive to Reykjavik. Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is home to the world’s oldest parliament and offers beautiful views of mountains and the ocean. Reykjavik and its satellite towns are essentially Iceland; 2/3 of the country’s population lives there. Don’t miss the main street, Laugavegur, known for its shops and cafes. I would also take care not to miss the adjacent Skólavörðustígur road, which also has a lot of great design shops. If you are into architecture and culture, you want to check out the impressive Harpa concert and conference center downtown.

You will be spoilt for choice of tours, restaurants and cafés. One recent feature of Reykjavik is its bustling food halls. Check out the food halls at Hlemmur and the more upmarket Hafnartorg Gallery.

Check out my section on Reykjavik; Reykjavik is a family-friendly city with many great places and activities.

Quick tips for things to do in Reykjavik

Sign up for the free and exclusive Stuck in Iceland newsletter to save on the following activities in Reykjavik with my great travel partners partners:

Partners for indoor activities in Reykjavik

• See the unique Lava Show  where natural lava flows indoors
• Visit Litli Barinn for relaxation, drinks and good food
• See Iceland from above at Flyover Iceland
• See the Whales of Iceland exhibition
• The LavaTunnel is amazing and only a short drive from Reykjavik
• Soak in the Hvammsvík Hot Springs
• Visit Aurora Reykjavik to learn all there is to learn about the northern lights

Partners for outdoor activities in Reykjavik

• Go whale watching with Elding
• Rent outdoor clothing with Iceland Cover
• Go whale watching with Special Tours
• Have an adrenaline filled excursion with at Safari Quads
• The Reykjavik Food Walk is the best way to get an introduction to Icelandic cuisine
• Walking tours with Your Friend in Reykjavik
• Mega Zipline a short drive from Reykjavik
• Hvammsvík Hot Springs, a short drive from Reykjavik
• Join  The VIP CityWalk with City Walk Reykjavik

Even more activities in Reykjavik!

• Stroll in central Reykjavik; make sure you check out Skólavörðustígur
• Take a romantic walk at Grótta on the seaside
• Have a drink and a meal at Hlemmur Food Hall or the Hafnartorg Gallery
• Have a gelato at Valdís
• Have the best pastry in Iceland at Brauð & Co
• Soak in the Sky Lagoon
• Take a walk in Grotta on the western edge of Reykjavik
• Check out Elliðaárdalur valley
• Visit a geothermally heated swimming pool

There is also a great selection of Reykjavik tours.

There is also a great selection of Reykjavik tours.

Head towards Thingvellir

Explore Thingvellir which is hallowed ground for us Icelanders. This is the Althing which was founded back in 930. It is not only a site of historical significance, it is simply really beautiful. One popular activity there is to dive into the Silfra gorge with its icy and clear water.

The geysers of Haukadalur valley

Next order of business is to head up the famous Geyser fields of Haukadalur. Watch the geyser Strokkur spew out massive plumes of steam and water and explore the rest of this impressive geyser field.

Gullfoss waterfall

Drive to the impressive waterfall of Gullfoss. This two tiered waterfall never fails to impress and has become nothing less than an icon for Iceland.

Next stop is Friðheimar restaurant and tomato farm

Friðheimar is a lovely restaurant that serves wholesome locally made food. Almost everything on the menu, food, and drink contains the tomatoes grown there.

Stop on the Secret Lagoon

I recommend soaking in the wonderful Secret Lagoon.

Head towards Hveragerdi town and then to Reykjavik

Drive towards the town of Hveragerdi.  On the way to Hveragerði, you have the option of stopping at the wonderful Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, also in Flúðir there is the Ethiopian restaurant Minilik, check out the Kerið, a unique 3,000-year-old crater. I recommend grabbing a meal at the new food hall in Selfoss or the Hveragerði food hall.

Important! Stay safe when driving in Iceland!

Icelandic roads are narrower than roads in Europe so keep your speed down and your eyes open.

NEVER, EVER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO PHOTOGRAPH SOMETHING.

If you are renting a car for use in winter please consider renting a 4×4 vehicle. When driving in Iceland in winter the car and yourself must be ready to handle slippery roads, snow, darkness, low (or zero) visibility heavy rain, gale-force winds, and frost.

Always follow the weather forecast and be mindful of road conditions. Go on the site www.sitetravel.is, study and follow the advice given there.