The Golden Circle in Iceland is a popular day trip from Reykjavik, featuring some of the country’s most stunning and iconic natural wonders. Many wonder what the Golden Circle (Iceland) itinerary is. So here it is. 

To make things really easy for you, I have visited all these Golden Circle spots, created a video to also show you what it really looks like to visit the Golden Circle, and give you the exact itinerary you will need. 

I have also included this day in the 7-day Iceland itinerary, because it’s so popular. You simply cannot leave Iceland without going on a Golden Circle tour in Iceland.  

Golden Circle Spots Map

Here is a map of the Golden Circle spots: 

Here are the top attractions of the Golden Circle, which can all be visited during a day trip from Reykjavik: 

Golden Circle In Iceland: Top Spots

Thingvellir National Park

• Parking: depends on your car type, starts at 1.000 kr ($7.30) for a normal car; it acts as a day pass on all the parking lots. 
• Entry ticket: Free

The Thingvellir National Park is one of the first stops on the list of Golden Circle (Iceland) stops. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in both natural beauty and historical significance. It’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a remarkable landscape of fissures and valleys. 

It’s also the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament, founded in 930 AD.

See my full YouTube video here:

Geysir Geothermal Area

• Parking: Free
• Entry ticket: Free

Home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters in the air. 

The area is dotted with boiling mud pits, fumaroles, and other geysers, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s active geology.

See my full YouTube video here: 

Gullfoss Waterfall

• Parking: Free
• Entry ticket: Free

One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Gullfoss (‘Golden Falls’) is a stunning two-tiered waterfall that plunges into a deep canyon.

On sunny days, the mist from the falls creates beautiful rainbows, adding to the enchantment of the site.

See my full YouTube video here: 

Kerid Crater Lake

• Parking: Free
• Entry ticket: 450 KR ($3.30)

A lesser-known but equally fascinating stop is this volcanic crater lake. The striking red volcanic rock around the edges contrasts sharply with the deep blue of the water, making for breathtaking views.  

See my full YouTube video here: 

How to reach the Golden Circle in Iceland?

If you’re interested in doing this road trip, you have two options:

1. You can either rent a car 

2. Book a Golden Circle guided tour, which includes all these stops 

Rent a car in Iceland

This is the BEST option to visit Iceland. 

Check out the best option for car rentals in Iceland here.

This is also the most expensive option to visit the Golden Circle, but if you are travelling with your partner or a friend, you can split the costs. 

I always prefer to travel on my own so that I can create my own schedule and have spontaneous stops (and you really want that in Iceland).

Having a car to explore a new country is truly the best way to do it, and considering just how expensive Iceland is, I would actually save a bit more or stay less just to have a car for my trip. 

Going to Iceland and not renting a car is really up to you, but from my point of view, I would be wasting a lot of precious time which I could spend exploring. 

Just factor in that every hotel night in Iceland is around $100 or more, and the food isn’t cheap either.

If the budget is a huge issue for you, then plan your trip so that you can rent a car for only a few days, while you spend the rest of your holiday relaxing at geothermal pools and exploring nearby Reykjavik. 

Golden Circle guided tour

This Golden Circle day trip tour from Reykjavik is a great, budget-friendly option for anyone visiting Iceland for the first time. 

If you want to explore Iceland without a car or simply don’t have a driver’s license, then this is your best option. 

Since this is the most popular day trip from Reykjavik, you’ll have no issue finding a spot for a trip, as there are multiple buses every day doing this Golden Circle trip.