Golden Circle Map
The full Golden Circle route, stop by stop — with driving distances, an interactive map, and a printable version you can take on the road.
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous day-trip route — a roughly 250–300 km (155–185 mi) loop from Reykjavík that links three landmark sights, Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, with a handful of popular extra stops. Here is the whole route on a map, in driving order, so you can plan your day or follow along on the road. For the full background on each stop, see our complete Golden Circle Iceland guide, or book the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour.
Interactive Golden Circle map — every stop and attraction in driving order. Drag, zoom, or tap a marker for details.
Loop distance: roughly 250–300 km (155–185 mi) · about 3–4 hours of driving of driving · a comfortable full-day trip (6–10 hours with stops).
The Golden Circle route, stop by stop
Driving order from Reykjavík, with approximate drive times between stops.
- 1
Þingvellir National Park
🚗 ≈45 min from Reykjavík
A UNESCO World Heritage rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, and the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament.
- 2
Geysir Geothermal Area
🚗 ≈50 min from Þingvellir
The steaming Haukadalur field, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes — the namesake of every "geyser" on earth.
- 3
Gullfoss Waterfall
🚗 ≈10 min from Geysir
A thunderous two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá river — the "Golden Falls" that give the route its name.
- 8
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
🚗 ≈25 min from Gullfoss
A geothermal greenhouse restaurant where you can have lunch among the tomato plants — a popular added stop on the way back.
- 5
Secret Lagoon
🚗 ≈15 min from Friðheimar
Iceland’s oldest natural hot-spring pool, in the village of Flúðir — an easy soak to add to the loop.
- 4
Kerið Crater
🚗 ≈40 min from Secret Lagoon
A vivid red volcanic crater cradling an aquamarine lake — the last stop before the drive back to Reykjavík.
From Kerið it is roughly a 50-minute drive back to Reykjavík, closing the loop.
Golden Circle driving distances
Approximate distance and drive time for each leg of the loop from Reykjavík.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík → Þingvellir National Park | ≈50 km | ≈45 min |
| Þingvellir National Park → Geysir Geothermal Area | ≈60 km | ≈50 min |
| Geysir Geothermal Area → Gullfoss Waterfall | ≈10 km | ≈10 min |
| Gullfoss Waterfall → Friðheimar Tomato Farm | ≈30 km | ≈25 min |
| Friðheimar Tomato Farm → Secret Lagoon | ≈15 km | ≈15 min |
| Secret Lagoon → Kerið Crater | ≈35 km | ≈40 min |
| Kerið → Reykjavík | ≈55 km | ≈50 min |
| Full loop | roughly 250–300 km (155–185 mi) | about 3–4 hours of driving |
Distances and times are approximate and assume good summer driving conditions.
Driving the Golden Circle vs taking a tour
The route is easy to self-drive in summer on paved roads, and the map above is all you need to follow it. In winter, though, short daylight hours and icy conditions make a guided tour the safer and more relaxing way to see everything in a day — with hotel pickup, a local guide, and no driving in the dark.
Golden Circle map & route FAQ
How long is the Golden Circle route?
The classic loop from Reykjavík is roughly 250–300 km (155–185 mi), which is about 3–4 hours of driving. With stops it is a comfortable full-day trip (6–10 hours with stops).
What order should I drive the Golden Circle in?
Most people drive it clockwise: Reykjavík → Þingvellir National Park → Geysir → Gullfoss, then loop back south past Friðheimar, the Secret Lagoon and Kerið crater. You can also reverse it to stay ahead of the tour-bus crowds.
Can I drive the Golden Circle myself?
Yes — the whole route is on paved, well-maintained roads and is easy to self-drive in summer. In winter, shorter daylight and icy conditions make a guided tour the safer, more relaxing choice.
What are the three main Golden Circle stops?
The "big three" are Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area (home of the erupting Strokkur), and Gullfoss waterfall. Kerið crater, Friðheimar and the Secret Lagoon are popular additions.
Is there an entrance fee for the Golden Circle?
The main natural sites are free to visit; you only pay for parking at Þingvellir and a small entrance fee at Kerið crater. Friðheimar and the Secret Lagoon charge for lunch and admission respectively.
Is there a printable Golden Circle map?
Yes — you can download a free printable Golden Circle map (PDF) with the route and every stop numbered, including the geothermal baths. It is laid out to print on a single page to keep in the car.
Is there a Google Maps version of the route?
Yes. The "Open the route in Google Maps" button loads the whole loop — Reykjavík → Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss and back past Friðheimar, the Secret Lagoon and Kerið — as turn-by-turn driving directions on your phone.
How far is the Golden Circle from Reykjavík?
The first stop, Þingvellir, is about 50 km (≈45 minutes) from Reykjavík. The complete loop back to the city is roughly 250–300 km (155–185 mi).
Does the map include all the Golden Circle attractions?
Yes — alongside the big three (Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss) the map plots popular extra stops such as Kerið crater, Friðheimar, Brúarfoss and Faxi, plus geothermal baths like the Secret Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana and the Sky Lagoon, so you can build your own route.