Things to Do in the Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and the Secret Lagoon

The Golden Circle is a loop in south Iceland that runs from Þingvellir to Geysir, then Gullfoss, Flúðir and back to Reykjavík. Start with the three main stops: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Add a soak at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir if you want a warm finish.

At a glance

• Top sights to see first: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall
• Main access: self-drive or a guided tour from Reykjavík
• Driving time: around three to four hours round trip from Reykjavík, without stops
• Suggested length of visit: a full day
• Best season for the Northern Lights: around September to April, on clear, dark nights

What are the best things to do in the Golden Circle?

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir is where the Alþingi was established around the year 930. It convened there until 1798, was abolished at Þingvellir in 1800 and was re-established in Reykjavík in 1845. The area sits on the rift of the Atlantic Ridge that runs across Iceland, and the small church, Þingvallakirkja, dates from 1859.

The service centre at Leirar has a café and restaurant area and a souvenir shop, so it makes an easy first stop. Hiking trails, diving, angling and riding routes are all on offer. Camping and angling permits are available at the service center on arrival.

The Geysir geothermal area

Geysir and Strokkur are the best known of the many hot springs and geysers in Haukadalur, and the area is counted among the best known geyser areas on earth. The ground covers 1.2 square kilometers (about half a square mile), and Mt. Laugarfell (614 feet, 187 m) rises from the hot spring field. It was protected as a natural monument on June 17, 2020.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is two separate waterfalls. The upper one drops 36 feet (11 m) and the lower one 69 feet (21 m).

Brúarhlöð, a narrow gorge in the Hvítá River about 2 miles (3 km) south of Gullfoss, is a short extra stop for anyone who wants more river scenery.

The Secret Lagoon in Flúðir

Flúðir is the last stop before the road back to Reykjavík, which makes it a natural place to end the day.

The Secret Lagoon is one of the stops on the Golden Circle loop, which runs Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Flúðir and back to Reykjavík. The nearest campground is Fludir campground, 1 mile (1.5 km) from the Secret Lagoon.

Kerið crater

Kerið is a volcanic crater 180 feet (55 m) deep and about 3000 years old. It is one of the other places along the route, so it works as a quick stop on the way.

Skip it if the day is already full with the three main stops.

Skálholt

Skálholt is one of Iceland’s most historical places and was the capital of Iceland for over 700 years. It adds history to a route that is otherwise about geology and water.

Brúarfoss and Hjálparfoss

Brúarfoss is also listed along the route. Hjálparfoss is a two-stepped waterfall near the confluence of the rivers Thjorsa and Fossa in the Thjorsa Valley. Both are extras for travelers with time beyond the main loop.

When is the best time to visit the Golden Circle for sightseeing?

April warms to 44°F (6°C) and 12 rainy days, and May reaches 52°F (11°C). June is the mildest of these months at 59°F (15°C), with 11 rainy days. The Northern Lights can be seen from around September to April on clear, dark nights. The route can be done as a self-drive or with a guided tour, and most visitors spend a full day on it.

Day trips from the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is itself the day trip from Reykjavík. The round trip takes around three to four hours of driving without stops, and the loop can easily be done in one day. Most visitors give it a full day.

• Self-drive loop: a full day · your own car · for anyone who wants to choose stops like Kerið or Skálholt
• Guided tour: a full day · tour vehicle · for anyone who prefers not to drive, and for the Secret Lagoon, which many tours include

Pick the self-drive if you want the extra stops. Pick a tour if the Secret Lagoon is on your list and you have no car, since the lagoon itself provides no transportation.

Things to do in the Golden Circle with kids

At Friðheimar greenhouse, children can see how Icelandic farmers use geothermal heat to grow tomatoes year-round. Efstidalur is a dairy farm serving freshly made ice cream and skyr, an easy treat on the drive. Fontana in Laugarvatn has geothermal baths and a geothermal bakery where rye bread is baked in a geyser.

Þingvellir offers hiking trails, riding routes, angling and diving, and school groups from around the world visit it. Laugarás Lagoon, which opened in October 2025 on the banks of the Hvítá river, is another bathing option. Plan the bath stops for the end of the day, once the sightseeing is done.