ReykjavikStory N° 06

Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip

Iceland's Golden Circle in 2 days — erupting geysers, thundering waterfalls and the continental rift at Þingvellir National Park.

Type
Road trip
Mood
Serenity
Days
2
When
Sat–Sun
Season
Closing in 12 days
Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip — Reykjavik
Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip — photo 2
Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip — photo 3
Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip — photo 4

The itinerary.

2 days · 10 stops
Saturday
Day One

Arrival in Reykjavik - rent a car, check into hotel, and explore Iceland's capital before starting the Golden Circle journey

Car Rental At Keflavik
Renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for Iceland, especially if traveling outside of summer, to handle potentially changing road conditions.
Explore Reykjavik
Visit Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic city views, walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture, and explore the colorful streets of the city center.
Lunch at Reykjavik Kitchen
Enjoy a highly-rated meal in Reykjavik before heading out on the Golden Circle. Known for its modern Icelandic cuisine.
Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir)
Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visit the historic site of Iceland's first parliament. See Oxararfoss waterfall. Duration: ~2-3 hours.
Dinner and Spa at Hotel Selfoss
Enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant and relax in the spa, which includes a sauna, hot tub, steam room, and cold plunge.
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Hotel
Hotel Selfoss - booking.com
Getting around
  • Drive from Keflavik to Reykjavik (approx. 45 minutes)
  • Drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir and then to Hotel Selfoss
Sunday
Day Two

Explore the heart of the Golden Circle - witness erupting geysers, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and a volcanic crater lake before returning to Reykjavik

Geysir Geothermal Area
See the original Geysir and watch the nearby Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-10 minutes, shooting hot water up to 30 meters in the air. Duration: ~1 hour.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Witness the power of this two-tiered waterfall as it plunges into a rugged canyon. Walk along the paths to different viewpoints. Duration: ~1.5 hours.
Lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm
Enjoy a unique dining experience in a geothermal greenhouse. Famous for its tomato soup and freshly baked bread. Booking is highly recommended.
Kerid Crater
Walk around the rim of this volcanic crater lake with its striking red volcanic rock and aquamarine water. Small entrance fee. Duration: ~45 minutes.
Return to Reykjavik
Drive back to Reykjavik, completing the Golden Circle loop.
Getting around
  • Driving with rented car from Hotel Selfoss to Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid Crater, and back to Reykjavik/

Location.

🗺 Open Full Route

Frequently asked

How many days do you need for Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip?

2 days. The itinerary runs from Saturday to Sunday and covers 10 curated stops across 2 days.

How much does Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip cost?

Premium — €300–600 per day per person, premium lodging included.

Where do you stay during Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip?

Hotel Selfoss - is the recommended base for the trip; the full hotel list per day is in the itinerary section.

What's included in the Iceland Golden Circle Roadtrip itinerary?

Day-by-day stops at 10 restaurants, museums, viewpoints and landmarks; transportation hints between each leg; and a hotel base in Reykjavik.

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