If you have been planning a trip to Iceland, you might have come across the iconic Golden Circle route. This popular loop is ideal for a one-day drive. It offers an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes, geothermal marvels, and rich history, making you feel like walking through a living storybook.

One of the best parts? You don’t need a 4x4 to experience it. Our motorhomes are perfectly suited for this adventure, offering comfort and flexibility. If you prefer a more rugged experience, our roof tents are a fantastic choice for travellers craving a deeper connection with Iceland’s raw beauty. It all depends on the kind of adventure you’re after.

What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle is a popular driving route that loops from Reykjavik and includes three iconic stops:

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Gullfoss Waterfall

Apart from these three main spots, in the loop you can also visit:

• Bruárfoss
• Kerið Crater
• Secret Lagoon

Depending on how you plan your loop, there are plenty of additional stops worth exploring in the surrounding area, especially during the summer, when Iceland‘s Midnight Sun keeps the daylight going.

So, let us take you on a virtual journey through the Golden Circle. With this guide, we hope to inspire and help you organise your unforgettable road trip through one of Iceland’s most iconic routes.

When to start your trip?

As with most popular destinations, getting an early start is a great way to beat the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience at the major stops along the Golden Circle. Early mornings often offer quieter viewpoints, better photo lighting, and a chance to truly soak in the natural beauty without too many people around.

One of the great advantages of travelling in Iceland, especially during the summer, is the extended daylight. Thanks to the Midnight Sun, you can begin your adventure at any time of day, even late in the evening or at night, and still enjoy complete visibility. So, if you’re not a morning person or prefer a slower pace, don’t worry! The Golden Circle is flexible and welcoming, no matter when you hit the road. 

Þingvellir National Park

Located 45 minutes to an hour from downtown Reykjavík, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is the perfect first stop on your Golden Circle adventure. It is steeped in history, being the site of Iceland’s first parliament, and offers some truly unique natural experiences.

Here, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, a rare geological phenomenon you can see and touch. For the more adventurous, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering visibility like nowhere else in the world. If you prefer to stay dry, there are beautiful hiking trails with sweeping views, or you can try angling in the serene Lake Þingvallavatn.

Þingvellir also has several well-equipped campgrounds, making it an ideal overnight stop whether travelling in one of our motorhomes in Iceland or camping in a roof tent. It’s where nature, adventure, and Icelandic heritage come together, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Campsites:

• Nyrðri-Leirar: Located next to the service centre, this area offers electricity and is the main camping area. Both tents and motorhomes are welcome here.
• Syðri-Leirar: Just across Road 36, this area is also for tents and motorhomes. It has facilities to dispose of wastewater and access a water hose for clean drinking water.

Before you explore Þingvellir, you must know that parking at the site is not free. A parking fee is required, and many easy ways exist to take care of it. You can either pay through the Parka or EasyPark app on your phone or use one of the on-site payment machines available at the designated parking areas.

Bruárfoss

After exploring Þingvellir National Park and before heading to the famous Geysir geothermal area, there's a lesser-known yet breathtaking stop you won’t want to miss, Brúarfoss. Known for its striking blue waters and cascading beauty, this waterfall is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil break from the more crowded Golden Circle attractions.

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Brúarfoss is perfect for a scenic hike. The most popular trail begins from Road No. 37 (Laugarvatnsvegur), with a designated parking area near the Brúará bridge. From there, the well-marked trail follows the east side of the river upstream, leading you directly to the falls. The hike is approximately 3.5 km one way (7 km round trip) and usually takes 2–3 hours, depending on your pace.

The terrain varies along the trail; some parts are gravel, while others are dirt paths that can become muddy after rain. The hike is generally manageable for most fitness levels, but it's best to wear good hiking shoes and bring water. While the trail is open year-round, conditions can become challenging or even inaccessible during heavy winter snowfall, so it’s always wise to check weather and trail updates before you go.

Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or want to see one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls, Brúarfoss is a worthy detour that adds even more magic to your Golden Circle experience.

Geysir Geothermal Area

As you continue along the Golden Circle, your next destination is the Geysir Geothermal Area, a surreal landscape that feels like something from another planet. The air carries a light scent of sulfur, and the ground is alive with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and geothermal energy hissing just beneath the surface.

While the original geysir (from which geysers got their name) is mostly dormant, Strokkur steals the show. As the most active geyser in the area, Strokkur puts on a spectacular display every few minutes, blasting boiling water into the air.

There’s no precise time for Strokkur’s eruptions. Sometimes, you’ll wait 5 minutes, and other times, up to 30 minutes. But a tip: once Strokkur erupts, it often follows up with a second blast within a minute or less, so keep your phone or camera ready for the double show!

There are designated viewing platforms and paths surrounding the geysers to keep visitors safe while offering great vantage points for photos. Staying behind the lines is extremely important; these safety barriers exist for a reason. The hot springs and geysers are dangerous, and dipping your hands or feet into them is strictly prohibited and can result in serious injury.

Take your time walking the area, soaking in the sights, and appreciating one of Iceland’s most unique natural wonders; it’s an experience you won’t forget. 

Gullfoss – The Golden Waterfall

No Golden Circle adventure is complete without a stop at Gullfoss, which translates to “Golden Waterfall.” Just a short 10-minute drive from the Geysir Geothermal Area, this breathtaking natural wonder is impossible to miss and unforgettable once you see it.

Gullfoss plunges in two dramatic stages into a deep, rugged canyon, with the sound of crashing water echoing across the landscape. It’s a powerful display of Iceland’s untamed beauty and a must-see highlight of the route. Whether you're admiring it from a distance or standing close enough to feel the mist on your face, Gullfoss leaves a lasting impression.

Three main viewpoints offer unique perspectives of Gullfoss:

The upper path takes you to a more elevated vantage point. Though slightly farther from the falls, it provides a stunning panoramic view, ideal if you want to admire the beauty from a safer distance or are hesitant to get too close to the spray. 

The lower path brings you a bit closer to the action. From here, you’ll enjoy a more immersive view of the waterfall while staying relatively dry.

For those who want the whole experience, a path leads right up to the edge, where you can feel the mist on your face and hear the full force of the falls crashing below. It’s here, surrounded by the power and majesty of nature, that you’ll truly understand why it’s called the Golden Waterfall.

If you plan to take the trail closer to the edge, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a waterproof jacket. There’s a good chance you’ll get wet from the powerful spray, but that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable. Just as necessary, watch your step and stay cautious, as the path can be slippery, especially when wet. Safety comes first, even when you're caught up in the thrill of the view.

The locations we’ve covered so far capture the heart of the Golden Circle, highlighting its most famous and must-visit spots. But the beauty of this iconic route is that there’s so much more to explore beyond these well-known landmarks. The Golden Circle loop is dotted with numerous hidden gems, charming villages, serene lakes, and lesser-known natural wonders that offer unique experiences for every type of traveller.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of additional attractions and intriguing camping spots that you can easily incorporate into your Golden Circle itinerary. Each place adds a unique touch to your Icelandic adventure, offering new experiences and memorable moments beyond the classic highlights. Whether you’re seeking scenic beauty, cultural sites, or peaceful places to rest for the night, these options will help you create a richer, more personalised journey through this incredible region.

Kerið Crater

Pronounced “Kerith,” Kerið is a stunning volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland. This remarkable geological formation is part of the Western Volcanic Zone, which extends from the Reykjanes Peninsula to the Langjökull Glacier. At only about 6,500 years old, Kerið’s vibrant colours and striking shape make it one of Iceland’s most visually captivating natural landmarks.

What makes Kerið truly unique is its vibrant red volcanic rock, which contrasts beautifully with the vivid blue-green waters of the lake below, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Whether you’re a nature lover, a geology enthusiast, or an adventurous traveller eager to explore lesser-known gems, Kerið offers a rare glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic heart.

Visitors can hike down the gently sloping crater walls to reach the lake at the bottom. Though the lake is relatively shallow, its vibrant blue-green colour comes from minerals in the surrounding volcanic soil, creating a stunning contrast with the red rock.

Interestingly, Kerið wasn’t formed by a volcanic explosion as many might assume. Instead, it was created when a cone volcano erupted and emptied its magma chamber. The weight of the now-empty cone caused the ground above to collapse, forming the crater you see today. The water filling the crater sits at the same level as the local water table, meaning it’s not simply rainwater collecting in the basin.

Kerið is a truly unique stop on the Golden Circle route. It offers spectacular photo opportunities and a fascinating story etched into the Icelandic landscape.

Secret Lagoon

After a full day of exploring Iceland’s incredible landscapes, there’s nothing better than unwinding in a natural hot spring. The Secret Lagoon is one of the country’s oldest geothermal pools, and although its name suggests otherwise, it’s now a well-loved and popular destination.

Located in the charming village of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon offers a relaxing and authentic hot spring experience surrounded by untouched nature. The area around Flúðir also boasts several excellent camping spots, making it an ideal place to rest and recharge after your day’s adventures.

Whether you’re soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters or enjoying the peaceful surroundings, the Secret Lagoon provides a perfect way to end your day on the Golden Circle route.

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Just a short 8-minute drive from the Secret Lagoon, you’ll find a hidden gem known as Hrunalaug, a small, natural hot spring tucked away in the hills near the village of Flúðir. This rustic and peaceful spot offers a more secluded experience than larger, popular hot springs.

Hrunalaug consists of a few small stone pools surrounded by scenic farmland, with warm geothermal water flowing gently into the baths. It’s a favourite among locals and those seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path soak in nature. While the facilities are minimal, the atmosphere is incredibly serene, perfect for relaxing in a more intimate, authentic setting.

Be sure to check the current accessibility and respect the area. It is located on private land and may have an entrance fee or visitor limits to preserve its natural charm.

Fluðir Camping Site

If you plan to camp in the Flúðir area, you’ll be happy to know that a convenient camping site is nearby. There is no need to pre-book your parking spot. You can arrive and choose your space, park, and camp.

This flexibility makes it an ideal stop for travellers exploring the Golden Circle at their own pace. With easy access to nearby attractions like the Secret Lagoon and Hrunalaug hot spring, it’s a perfect base to relax, soak, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Álfaskeið Camping Site

This peaceful, serene, clean campsite may be slightly off the main Golden Circle route, but it’s worth the detour. Tucked away in a quiet area, this campground offers a tranquil atmosphere far from the crowds, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.

The surrounding landscape is stunning, with rolling fields, distant mountains, and a sense of calm that makes relaxing easy. The area has scenic walking paths, ideal for morning strolls or sunset wanders. And if you’re visiting during late summer, you might even get lucky and find some wild berries to pick.

Horseback riding is also available nearby for those seeking a bit of adventure. However, this activity must be pre-booked, and you can easily arrange it by contacting the campsite staff.

Whether staying in an RVIceland motorhome or roof tent, this hidden gem of a campsite offers a quiet, nature-filled experience that perfectly complements your Golden Circle adventure.

The Golden Circle may be one of Iceland’s most popular routes, but the true magic lies in how you experience it. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, soaking in geothermal pools, hiking to hidden gems, or camping under the midnight sun, every stop along the way offers a piece of Iceland's raw beauty and timeless charm. With the freedom of a motorhome or roof tent, you can take your time, explore at your own pace, and truly connect with the land of fire and ice. So pack your sense of adventure, hit the road, and let Iceland’s Golden Circle become your unforgettable journey.

Before you go, don’t forget to pay for parking at designated sites, you can usually do this easily through the Parka or EasyPark app, or at on-site machines. It’s a small but important step to help preserve these natural wonders for everyone to enjoy.