If you’re visiting Reykjavík with limited time but still want to experience Iceland’s striking natural wonders, the Golden Circle is the perfect route. This popular loop highlights some of the country’s most iconic sights, all within a short drive from the capital. From powerful waterfalls to geysers bursting skyward, a single day on this route gives you a true taste of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle refers to a circular route starting and ending in Reykjavík, stretching out toward the famous Gullfoss waterfall. The name itself comes from Gullfoss, which translates as “Golden Falls.” This scenic journey includes three major stops: Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, and the mighty Gullfoss. Its proximity to Reykjavík makes it one of the busiest travel routes in the country, but also one of the most rewarding.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is more than just a national park—it’s a place where history and geology meet. Established in 1930, it later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and natural significance. This is where Iceland’s parliament, the Alþingi, first gathered in 930, making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world.
The park is especially stunning in autumn, when the landscape glows with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. Highlights include Öxarárfoss, a waterfall tumbling through the Almannagjá gorge, which also marks the boundary of the North American tectonic plate. Another standout is Silfra, a fissure filled with crystal-clear water that separates the North American and Eurasian plates. Diving here requires certification, but even from the surface, the deep blue waters are mesmerizing.
Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, also lies within the park, offering peaceful views and a sense of scale that’s hard to match.
Haukadalur Geothermal Valley
The next stop is Haukadalur, a geothermal wonderland filled with steaming vents, bubbling pools, and erupting geysers. The star of the show is Strokkur, which shoots boiling water into the air every few minutes, sometimes reaching heights of up to 40 meters. Watching the ground tremble before the eruption is an unforgettable experience.
Nearby is Geysir, the hot spring that gave its name to geysers worldwide. Today it’s mostly dormant, but its rare eruptions can be spectacular. Walking through the valley, with its sulfur-scented air and clouds of steam, feels like stepping into another world. For a panoramic view, climb Laugarfjall hill to see the geothermal field spread out below.
Gullfoss Waterfall
No Golden Circle journey is complete without Gullfoss. Fed by the glacier Langjökull, this two-tiered waterfall plunges into a deep canyon with immense power. The upper cascade drops 11 meters, followed by a 21-meter plunge into the rugged gorge carved by glacial floods.
There are several walking paths around Gullfoss, including one that takes you close enough to feel the spray on your face. A raincoat is essential here, as the mist will soak you within moments. Cameras often struggle in the wet conditions, but waterproof gear like a phone or action camera works well.
An Optional Detour: Seljalandsfoss
If time allows, extend your trip to see Seljalandsfoss, about an hour and a half from Gullfoss. While not technically part of the Golden Circle, it’s one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls, famous for the path that leads behind the falling water. With a drop of 60 meters, its beauty is heightened by the fact that it originates from meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano. Walking behind the curtain of water offers a completely different perspective and makes for an unforgettable end to the day.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Circle is often the first taste travelers get of Iceland, and for good reason. In just one day, you can stand between continents, watch geysers erupt, and feel the raw power of glacial waterfalls. Whether you stick to the classic route or add an extra stop like Seljalandsfoss, this journey captures the essence of Iceland’s natural beauty.
