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South Iceland

The Golden Circle

Walk between the plates, watch a geyser, and return past a volcanic crater.

  • 1 full day
  • Round trip from Reykjavík
Open in the plannerGuide at Visit Iceland

The stops

  1. ReykjavíkStart · Capital region
  2. Þingvellir · Hakið visitor areaCulture · 1 hr 30 min visit

    Explore the national park where Iceland’s early parliament met, amid a landscape shaped by the tectonic rift.

  3. Geysir & StrokkurNature · 45 min visit

    Follow the paths through a steaming geothermal field and watch Strokkur send a column of water into the air.

  4. GullfossNature · 45 min visit

    Take in the force of the Hvítá as it tumbles over two distinct falls into a deep canyon.

  5. KeriðNature · 35 min visit

    Walk around a steep volcanic crater whose basin holds a small lake framed by colorful rock.

  6. SelfossOn the way
  7. ReykjavíkBack where you started

Durations are planning suggestions. Driving times depend on the season and road conditions; the planner calculates the drive for your version of the route.

Places on this route

CultureÞingvellir1 hr 30 min visitNatureGeysir & Strokkur45 min visitNatureGullfoss45 min visitNatureKerið35 min visit

More day trips

1 full day · one wayThe South CoastFollow the waterfalls and black-sand coast from Reykjavík to Vík.1 full dayThe Silver CircleA country loop through hot springs, saga history, and lava waterfalls.1 full day · one wayThe Tröllaskagi CoastFishing towns, mountain tunnels, and a seaside pool on the northern coast.