Open Travel Guide
  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Iceland
  4. Capital Region
  5. Day Trips
  6. Golden Circle

Day Trips · Capital Region, Capital Region

Golden Circle

  • Distance230km round trip
  • Travel time4-6 hours drive time total (full day)
  • TransportRental car (self-drive) or guided tour from Reykjavik

Iceland's most famous day trip circuit visits three extraordinary sites: Þingvellir National Park (world's oldest parliament and tectonic rift valley), Geysir geothermal field (Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes), and Gullfoss waterfall (double-tiered waterfall plunging into an ancient canyon). An unmissable Iceland experience.

Practical information for Golden Circle
Distance 230km round trip
Travel time 4-6 hours drive time total (full day)
Getting there Rental car (self-drive) or guided tour from Reykjavik
Cost $50-80 car rental or $80-100 guided tour

Weather through the year in Capital Region

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY 11° JUN 13° JUL 13° AUG 10° SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding

Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Capital Region.

Highlights

  • Þingvellir UNESCO World Heritage rift valley
  • Strokkur geyser erupting every 5-10 minutes
  • Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall
  • Snorkeling/diving in Silfra tectonic fissure (optional extra $150+)