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.
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.
- 4
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.
- 6
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.
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.