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The Golden Circle is one of the first routes many visitors add to their itinerary due to its recognizable popularity. However, it’s vital to answer this question before you start planning: “How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?” The Golden Circle can be driven in about three and a half hours without stops, requiring about six to seven hours with the main stops. The following will help you create the perfect itinerary for this part of your trip.
What Is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle route refers to a section of roadways that reach several key tourist destinations in southwestern Iceland. This route can be done as a self-drive Golden Circle itinerary or on an organized tour. However, if you’ll be traveling by campervan, self-driving is straightforward and offers greater flexibility in your itinerary.
Overview of the Route
The Golden Circle Iceland itinerary includes three primary stops with numerous potential additions along the way. Most people will recognize the three main sites: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. These points make up the primary Golden Circle route.
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Iceland’s original parliament. It is also a location where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet on the surface. You’ll find Iceland’s largest late, Þingvallavatn, snorkeling in Silfra, Öxarárfoss waterfall, and more as you hike through the area.
Geysir geothermal area is home to the namesake of geysers everywhere, Geysir. While this geyser no longer erupts regularly, its neighbor, Strokkur, puts on a show every six to 10 minutes, throwing geothermally heated water and steam up to 40 metres in the air. Hiking around the area reveals numerous hot springs, mud pots, and other geothermal features.
Finally, you will encounter Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls. The falls feature two distinct drops into a picturesque canyon. There are several viewpoints for the waterfall, along with a souvenir shop and restaurant.
Key Attractions on the Golden Circle
In addition to the primary three stops along the Golden Circle drive, you can add more stops as time allows, giving you a well-rounded experience. Some of these attractions are lesser known and will not be as crowded, while others have become recognized stops in their own right.
Kerið Crater is one such stop. This volcanic crater now features a small lake at its bottom with striking red and orange walls rising around it. This site is popular all year long, although the lake is frozen in the winter.
Brúarfoss is another popular waterfall visitors may enjoy on their way around the Golden Circle in Iceland. This beautiful waterfall is recognized for its blue water and was once only accessible by a long hike. Now, visitors can park close by and see this beauty without sacrificing hours for the hike, although the hike is beautiful if you have the time.
If you still haven’t seen enough waterfalls, Faxi is located along the route and is a quieter stop with fewer people. This waterfall stretches 80 metres across and drops about seven metres.
Interested in taking a dip in Iceland’s geothermal waters? A visit to the Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin, is the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking. This geothermal lagoon isn’t as large as the Blue Lagoon and doesn’t have the milky blue waters, but it is the oldest geothermal pool in Iceland.
Friðheimar tomato farm is a popular stop for lunch while traveling the Golden Circle. This restaurant’s menu is filled with tomato-inspired dishes, including their famous tomato soup, that visitors can enjoy inside the greenhouses. Reservations are highly recommended, and the restaurant books months in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, the new wine bar can be a good alternative.
Efstidalur is another great place to stop for a meal or a snack. The farm serves food and ice cream made from ingredients grown on the farm. Visitors also get a view of the cow barn while dining.
How Long Does It Take to Drive the Golden Circle?
Now that you’re familiar with some of the most popular stops along the Golden Circle self-drive route, it’s time to consider how long it takes to drive the Golden Circle route. While it all depends on the number of stops you make and how long you spend at each one, most visitors can complete the Golden Circle in four to six hours with only the primary stops.
Average Driving Time Without Stops
The Golden Circle itself covers about 300 kilometers in a full loop starting and ending in Reykjavík. With the speed limits on the roads you will travel, the Golden Circle can be driven in about three hours, but that is without stopping at any of the attractions. Once you start adding the stops, you can easily stretch the Golden Circle self-drive into a full day or more.
Factoring in Time for Attractions and Activities
To help you determine how long you should allocate to driving the Golden Circle in Iceland, you must first make a list of the attractions you wish to see. Only stopping at the main three attractions allows you to complete the journey in just four to six hours. However, it all depends on how much time you spend at each location.
Geysir and Gullfoss can be completed relatively quickly as neither of these locations requires much hiking. Thingvellir National Park is much larger. You can spend hours on the hiking trails or participating in activities like snorkeling in Silfra. It’s recommended to allocate at least two hours for the national park.
The more additional attractions you add to your Golden Circle itinerary, the more time you will need to allot for your journey. if you’re looking for a home on wheels, explore the camper options at Camper Rental Iceland. We can't wait to help you start your Golden Circle adventure!
Planning a Full-Day Campervan Trip on the Golden Circle
Planning a full-day Golden Circle Iceland itinerary is relatively straightforward, but it depends on what you want to accomplish. It’s recommended to include the primary three stops and work your way out from there. Do you want to see more waterfalls or are you interested in more unique locations? Are you looking for a soak or would you prefer to spend your time hiking?
Knowing what you want to do with your day will help you create the perfect Golden Circle itinerary to keep everyone in your group happy. Self-driving in a campervan allows you to enjoy the Golden Circle how you want, even if it means skipping one or more of the main stops.
Benefits of Driving the Golden Circle in a Campervan
More visitors are choosing to book a campervan for their Iceland travels. While camping isn’t for everyone, campervans have made Iceland more accessible and offer distinct advantages over choosing other methods of traveling the country.
Flexibility to Stop at Hidden Gems
One of the key benefits of choosing a campervan for your Golden Circle drive is the flexibility it offers. When you self-drive the Golden Circle in Iceland, you aren’t limited to the main stops or the ones that are specifically listed in the tour itinerary. You have the freedom to stop wherever you’d like and spend as much time as necessary to enjoy the sights. You can add hidden gems and other attractions long the way, even spontaneously.
Onboard Comfort and Dining Options
Another reason more travelers are choosing a campervan when traveling the Golden Circle and other parts of Iceland is the onboard comfort and ability to make their meals. Buying ingredients from local grocery stores and preparing meals yourself can save significant money. Because you have everything with you, you can also stop and rest whenever the need arises, but keep in mind it’s required to spend nights in a campground.
Accessing Nearby Campsites and Facilities
You’ll find many campsite options in and around the Golden Circle to ensure you can find the perfect place to stay the night. Some of the available campsites in the area include Laugarvatn, Úthlíð, Haukadal, Skjól, Tjaldsvæðið við Faxa, Reykholt, Flúðir, Hraunborgir Grímsnesi, and Úlfljótsvatn. Most of these campsites are only open in the summer, but Úthlíð is open year-round. Check tjalda.is for more information.
When traveling by campervan, finding a place to shower is also essential. While many campgrounds have showering facilities, an alternative is to visit one of the local pools or geothermal lagoons. You will have access to their shower facilities and can enjoy a dip, too.
Tips for Driving the Golden Circle in a Campervan
Now that you know how long it takes to drive the Golden Circle, you can start planning your full itinerary. As you consider your options for the Golden Circle drive, here are a few tips that will ensure you make the most of your visit and can enjoy each site to its fullest.
Best Times to Start Your Journey
Even after you create your Golden Circle itinerary, you will need to determine when to start your journey. The answer to this question varies depending on the time of year you visit. If you’re traveling in the winter, for instance, you will have limited daylight and must factor that in when planning your stop so you aren’t left trying to view a waterfall or other features in the dark.
However, when traveling in the summer, you will have more flexibility in when you visit various attractions. It’s recommended to either plan to visit the popular sites early in the day or in the evening to avoid the crowds, particularly tour buses. The more secluded locations and hidden gems can be visited throughout the day without worrying about crowds.
Parking Considerations for Campervans
One of the most important things to remember when traveling in a campervan in Iceland is that you cannot park and sleep anywhere you please. Overnight camping must be done in designated campsites, so plan your itinerary with this in mind. However, you may wonder what you need to know about parking at the various sites within the Golden Circle.
For the most part, campervans are allowed to park anywhere normal cars can park. The parking lots at the Golden Circle stops can easily accommodate all types of vehicles but keep in mind that many of these sites have a parking fee that must be paid within 24 hours. Parking at Thingvellir National Park covers all parking within the park in one fee so you can switch parking areas without paying again.
Apps and Tools for Route Planning
There are numerous apps and tools ideal for helping you plan your Golden Circle route and keep you save along the journey. Road.is provides current road conditions and is the perfect complement to using Google Maps to plan your route. You should also reference vedur.is and safetravel.is to ensure you are aware of the current weather and any warnings in place.
Because many sites along the Golden Circle and throughout Iceland require a parking fee, it’s also essential to download the Park and EasyPark apps to allow you to easily pay for parking along your route.
Suggested Itineraries for Driving the Golden Circle
Renting a campervan gives you complete control over which stops you will make and how long you spend on each one. Whether you’re planning to self-drive the Golden Circle in one day or want to slow down and allocate two days to the journey, here are sample itineraries to help you get started.
One-Day Itinerary for the Golden Circle
As you begin your journey from Reykjavík, the first stop in your Golden Circle self-drive itinerary is Thingvellir National Park. Park in the main parking lot where you can visit the visitor’s center and take in the views from above. You can hike to Öxarárfoss from here or drive to the lower parking lot to visit the falls, along with Silfra, the church, and other areas.
After Thingvellir, a stop at Brúarfoss will give you a beautiful view of the blue waterfall. If you’re up for a hike, you can park in the free lot along the main road or drive up the gravel roadway to the paid parking area where the falls are a short walk away.
The next stop on the Golden Circle route is Geysir. This geothermal area is in the Haukadalur valley and features geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and other geothermal features. Walk around the area and visit the gift shop.
Next is Gullfoss, an impressive waterfall that never fails to impress. You can spend a short amount of time getting pictures of the waterfall from several angles or spend some extra time hiking in the area before moving on to your next destination.
When you’re ready for a lunch stop, don’t forget to make reservations at Friðheimar in Reykholt. This tomato farm restaurant features tomato-inspired menu items you can enjoy right in the greenhouse.
After lunch, enjoy the scenic route to Kerið Crater. This natural site requires a per-person entry fee and gives you access to the lake in the bottom of the crater. Be careful during the winter months as the ice is often thin and it isn’t advised to walk on it.
Finally, settle in for the night in one of the area’s campgrounds. Staying in Sellfoss or one of the southern campsites will give you easy access to continue your journey along the South Coast. If it’s the end of your trip, you may wish to stay somewhere closer to Reykjavík or Keflavík.
Two-Day Golden Circle Trip with Overnight Camping
If you would prefer to stretch the Golden Circle into two days with an overnight stay in one of the area campgrounds, here is a sample itinerary to get you started.
Thingvellir National Park is often the first stop, whether you are spending one day or two. Since you have more time, you can hike the longer trails or book Silfra snorkeling. There are five parking lots from which you can explore the area.
After the national park, head to Geysir, where you can watch Strokkur erupt every six to 10 minutes. This impressive geyser is only one of the things to see in the area. You can also find mud pots, hot springs, and other geothermal features.
After Geysir, you can complete the main Golden Circle stops with a visit to Gullfoss. The two-tiered waterfall is found in an impressive canyon with several viewing platforms to take in its beauty.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a meal or cold treat during your first day, Efstidalur Farm is an excellent stop. They serve farm-fresh dishes and ice cream you can enjoy in their dining room while watching the cows in the barn.
At the end of the day, take a trip to the Secret Lagoon. This geothermal pool is one of the oldest in Iceland and offers a unique experience. The pool is fed by the nearby geothermal springs and is the perfect way to relax before heading off to your campsite for the night. Choose one from tjalda.is.
On day two, start your day with a hike to Brúarfoss. When you choose the free parking lot on road 37, you can embark on a nice hike that will take you along the river, past several smaller waterfalls. You will end the hike at the amazing blue waterfall before hiking back to the camper.
If you’re still interested in visiting waterfalls, you can make your way to Faxi. This waterfall is wider than tall. This beautiful waterfall is located outside Flúðir.
After your stop at Faxi, consider a stop at Friðheimar for lunch, especially if you’re a fan of tomato soup and other tomato-based dishes. You will dine inside the greenhouse, surrounded by tomato plants and busy bees. Be sure to make reservations as the restaurant books up.
After lunch, continue along the Golden Circle route to visit the Skálholt cathedral. This historical site is in a small town and features a unique cultural experience that is often missed by visitors. The cathedral hosts numerous cultural events and concerts, particularly in the summer.
The next stop for the day is Kerið Crater. This dormant volcanic crater now features a small lake in its center and offers a beautiful photo opportunity. Walk to the bottom to get a closeup view of the lake.
Finally, you can end your day with a hike up Reykjadalur, just outside the town of Hveragerði. The hike features fantastic views with scattered hot springs and mud pots along the way. The hike ends at the geothermal river where you can bathe in the hot waters before heading to your next campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving the Golden Circle
Now that you have your Golden Circle itinerary set, you may still have some questions about driving the route. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:
Can You Drive the Golden Circle in One Day?
Yes, the Golden Circle can be driven in just one day if you only have enough time to make a day trip. The entire route is only about 300 kilometres, with an average speed limit of 90 km/h. However, adding stops will require more time. All in all, visiting the primary stops and a few extras will still allow you to complete the drive in one day.
Are Campervans Allowed on All Roads Along the Route?
Yes, all of the roads within the Golden Circle are allowed for all vehicles. These roads are paved and well-maintained, which means you won’t need a 4x4 vehicle to navigate to any of the sites. Some roads, like the road to the Brúarfoss parking lot, may be gravel but still do not require more than a normal vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Drive the Golden Circle?
Besides the cost of your campervan, campgrounds, and fuel, it doesn’t cost anything to drive around the Golden Circle. However, if you wish to stop at the sites, some of them do have parking or entry fees. For instance, parking at Thingvellir and Geysir is 1000 ISK at each, Kerið Crater is 600 ISK per person, Brúarfoss is 750 ISK, and Faxi is 700 ISK. Visits to Secret Lagoon and Reykjadalur also have fees.
Final Thoughts on Exploring the Golden Circle in a Campervan
Booking a campervan is one of the best ways to explore the Golden Circle, giving you the ultimate flexibility to plan the stops you want and avoid the crowds. You will be free to spend as much time as you wish at each stop, creating a truly personalized itinerary that will let you enjoy the Golden Circle at your own pace.
