Our recommended

Golden Circle tours
in Iceland

Golden Circle tours

What is so special about
The Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular day tour. But what makes people love it, and is it worth the hype, or has it become too crowded with tourists? We believe it's worth it; after all, it must be popular for a reason.

So, why choose the Golden Circle? Well, its location is amazing—it's only an hour's drive from the capital, Reykjavik, so you can visit it any time of the year. But its popularity isn't just because of its location; the main draw is its three big attractions. Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Hot Spring, and Gullfoss Waterfall. There are different options available to add some adventure or luxury to your Golden Circle tour. Try snowmobiling on a glacier, exploring ice caves, or finishing off the day with a relaxing soak at the secret lagoon. Trust us, you'll love it!


Gullfoss waterfall spraying a huge mist over tourists on a golden circle tour staning in the distance
Thingvellir on a brisk autumn morning with clouds starting to form over geothermal powerplant in the distance
Geysir erupting on a winter day with the sun setting behind it. Tourists on a Golden Circle tour watch from a distance.

Thingvellir National Park

Typically the first stop on most Golden Circle tours is Thingvellir National park which is only 50 minutes from Reykjavik. Thingvellir is a big deal in Icelandic history. It's where Viking settlers held their meetings for parliament and where Iceland got its independence from Denmark in 1944. And guess what? It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it's the only place in the world where you can see both the European and North American tectonic plates drifting apart above ground. You can actually walk right between them! Oh, and before I forget, be sure to ask your guide about Drekkingarhylur and check out the Öxarárfoss waterfall. Trust me, it's worth it!

Oxara river in Thingvellir National Park, Drekkingarhylur can be seen in the distance.
Thingvellir on a crystal clear summer day mirroring the tectonic plates
Thingvellir during spring busy with tourists on a Golden Circle Day Tour in colorful windbreakers
Thingvellir on a brisk autumn morning with clouds starting to form over geothermal powerplant in the distance

Gullfoss

Gullfoss waterfall is the mother of all waterfalls in Iceland, and typically the last stop on Golden Circle tours leaving from Reykjavik. Its rugged power and beauty are unmatched. Even locals are amazed every time they stand in the spray and hear the thundering of water falling off the volcanic cliffs. In spring and summer, you can walk all the way up to it and we encourage you to do so. Pro tip: wear waterproof clothing for this stop.

Gullfoss Falls Spraying Mist Over Tourists on a Golden Circle Tour on a Overcasted Summer Day
Gullfoss Falls spraying beautifully over moss covered cliffs in summer

Geysir

The second stop on most Golden Circle tours is Geysir Geothermal area, which is home of Geysir Hot Spring. All geysers in the world get their name from this one. Although it's dormant, it's little brother Strokkur erupts every ten minutes or so. Each eruption is unique so be sure to catch a few of them. Depending on the wind be sure to get a good view of this otherworldly sight

Strokkur erupting in the Geysir hot spring area on a cloudy summer day.
Hot spring bubbling in the Geysir area in the Golden Circle on a cloudy fall day
Geysir erupting on a summer evening in the Golden Circle
Geysir geothermal area terrain with vibrating blue colors

Is the Golden Circle too crowded?

Yes, the Golden Circle can get crowded, especially during the summer months. But it's not like visiting Disney World, the crowds aren't that overwhelming. So, we encourage you to give it a try. After all, there's a reason why it is so popular. Don't let the presence of others spoil your experience, as the sights are truly worth it. If you prefer smaller crowds, consider opting for a smaller group tour for a more personal experience. Alternatively, if you're still wary of crowds, going on a Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour could be a perfect alternative. It offers similar breathtaking scenery and can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik.

Gullfoss crowded with tourists from a Golden Circle Day Tour on a sunny summer day

Golden Circle tours in the winter

People often ask if it's worth doing a Golden Circle tour in winter. They worry about the roads and if they can see anything with all the snow. But you don't need to worry. Icelanders, especially tour guides, are used to driving in the snow and take precautions. Places like Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir look amazing with all the snow around. And because there are fewer people, it's peaceful and quiet, letting you enjoy Iceland's winter beauty.

Gullfoss waterfall covered in Ice on a cold winter day. Tourists on a Golden Circle tour can be seen in the distance.

Different options for Golden Circle tours

When it comes to choosing a Golden Circle tour, you've got plenty of options! They all share a visit to the three main attractions: Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. You will find that some tours vary in group size and departure times, giving you flexibility. Some even include cool extras like a glacier adventure. Since Gullfoss is close to Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjökull, adding an ice cave or snowmobiling adventure to your itinerary can make your day unforgettable. And for those seeking relaxation, consider a tour that includes a visit to the Secret Lagoon, the perfect way to unwind at the end of your day trip.

Woman in striped swimsuit walking into the secret lagoon on a golden circle day tour during summer
men on a snowmobiling tour