What you'll do
Day 1
Golden circle intinerary for one day tour from Reykjavik
Golden circle is one of the most travelled routes in Iceland. Due to proximity of Reykjavik it Can be perfect and easy trip for one day. (Perfect for long layover in Iceland)
Timewise we are looking at 3.5h of total driving plus all the time you will spend at locations - So usually total should be 7-8 hours.
You have two options Rental car or Tour Bus:
With tours you dont have to plan Anything they will drive you around and give you limited time at each location - but some people love it So if its for you Here are three best Golden Circle tours in my opinion:
Golden Circle — Platinum Tour | Small group
Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon & Kerið Volcanic Crater Tour
DT 16 Midnight Sun Golden Circle
Thats the best way to travel around Iceland in general - you have Freedom to stay at locations as long as you want and you Can explore side attractions.
Whenever you are in Iceland! Obviously summer months will give more time as it is almost 24hr daylight :)
Assuming you had your breakfast and started your day in Reykjavik first stop i would recommend is:
1. Thingvellir National Park
Here you have couple options - walk around the visitors centre, walk through tectonic plates and hike to Oxararfoss waterfall (40min-1hr) and checkout historical highlights on the way
Thingvellir National Park Visitor Center
park
Interactive exhibition on natural history
Located at Hakid by P1, the Visitor Centre at Thingvellir National Park is a must-visit spot for nature and history enthusiasts. With an interactive exhibition called "Heart of Iceland," visitors can dive into the park's rich past and natural beauty in just 40 minutes. From experiencing the continental drift to exploring the old law council of Lögrétta, there's plenty to learn and discover. Don't miss the temporary photo exhibition showcasing visits by foreign leaders over the years, capturing the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site. So, swing by the Visitor Centre for a fun and educational experience at Thingvellir National Park!
Öxarárfoss
Waterval
Picturesque waterfall in Iceland
Öxarárfoss is a picturesque waterfall located in Þingvellir National Park in Iceland. It cascades over the cliffs of Almannagjá gorge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The waterfall is 13 meters high and freezes over in winter, creating a stunning icy landscape. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Öxarárfoss year-round, but it gets crowded during the summer. Don't forget your camera for some epic nature shots!
Another option is snorkeling or diving between tectonic plates in Silfra.
This is very unique experience and cold one of course :)
You have to book it in advance if you will decide to do So:
Altogether this experience is Up to 2.5/3hr (5hr with diving)
Silfra Snorkeling Pond
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Icy adventure between tectonic plates
Silfra Snorkeling in Iceland offers a unique and chilly experience, allowing visitors to swim between two tectonic plates in crystal-clear waters. While the beauty of the fissure is mesmerizing, the cold temperatures can make for an uncomfortable but unforgettable adventure. With tours providing all necessary gear and guides ensuring safety, snorkeling Silfra is a must-do activity for those seeking a one-of-a-kind Icelandic experience.
The most blue waterfall I’ve ever seen.
There are two parkings, one that you need to hike from the road for 40 minutes in muddy conditions. 2nd one new one is 5 min walk from waterfall, i will mark new one below
Brúarfoss Parking
Waterval
Two parking options for Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss waterfall in Iceland offers two parking options for visitors. The new Brúarfoss Parking lot, opened in April 2023, provides easy access to the waterfall with just a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, the Brúarfoss Trail - Parking lot is free and allows for a longer hike to the waterfall, passing by smaller waterfalls along the way. So, whether you're up for a quick stroll or a scenic trek, there's a parking spot to suit your preference at Brúarfoss.
At this point of the day you are probably hungry - i would recommend to eat in Fridheimar.
It is restaurant inside of Tomato Greenhouse, and all the dishes are made of - you guessed it - tomatoes. I recommend ice cream and Bloody Mary 😍(there is virgin option for drivers)
Friðheimar
restaurant
Tomato farm with dining experience
Friðheimar is a family-run farm in Iceland where they grow tomatoes year-round using eco-friendly methods. Visitors can tour the greenhouses, enjoy a unique dining experience surrounded by tomato plants, and even take home delicious tomato-based products from their shop. With a focus on sustainability and quality, Friðheimar offers a taste of fresh, flavorful tomatoes in a cozy and welcoming setting.
Haukadalur geothermal area includes mud pots, fumaroles, hot springs and two geysirs - Geysir and Strokkur.
Geysir is at this moment dormant However Strokkur is erupting regularly every 3 to 5 minutes for 20-30 meters high.
There is free parking in the area and there is No fee for entrance.
Geysir
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Famous Icelandic geyser with history
Geysir, also known as The Great Geysir, is a famous geyser in southwestern Iceland that started forming around 1150 CE. Its eruptions can shoot boiling water up to 60 meters in the air, but these days they're pretty rare. The nearby Strokkur geyser steals the show with more frequent eruptions, reaching heights of up to 35 meters every few minutes. Geysir's history dates back to the 13th century, and it has been a popular tourist spot along with other natural wonders like Þingvellir and Gullfoss waterfall on the Golden Circle route.
Strokkur Geyser
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Frequent eruptions of hot water
Strokkur Geyser is a cool fountain-type geyser in Iceland that shoots up hot water every 6-10 minutes, reaching heights of 15-20 meters (sometimes even 40 meters!). It's part of a geothermal area with other rad stuff like mud pools and fumaroles. People love to visit Strokkur to catch its regular eruptions, making it a must-see spot for tourists exploring Iceland's natural wonders.
The Golden Falls - waterfall that gave name to Golden Circle and furthest stop in the trip.
Fed by Hvitá river Gullfoss is largest volume waterfall in Europe, with an average of flow of 1400 cubic meters in summer.
Free parking on the site, you need to pay for toilet tho.
Gullfoss Waterfall Lookout
Waterval
Scenic overlook of majestic waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall Lookout offers a unique perspective of the majestic waterfall in Iceland, allowing visitors to view it from above as it appears to disappear into the earth. The location is easily accessible from Reykjavik, making it a popular stop on the Golden Circle route. Visitors should be prepared for paid restrooms, but can opt for free facilities inside the visitor center. It's important to stay on designated trails and dress appropriately for the weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Gullfoss Waterfall Lookout.
Kerid is beautiful volcanic crater with lake inside. There is small entrance fee to maintain parking and paths.
Kerid Crater
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Spectacular Icelandic volcanic crater
Kerið Crater in Iceland is a stunning geological wonder that's totally worth a visit. This vibrant blue gem, part of the Western Volcanic Zone, is only 6,500 years old and boasts a unique red volcanic rock formation. With a small entrance fee of 600 KR, you can explore the 55m deep, 170m wide caldera and soak in the breathtaking views. Don't miss out on this must-see spot in Iceland!
On the way to Reykjavik you can stop in Hveragerdi for dinner in Grodurhusid - It is new concept hotel with foodhall instead of typical restaurant. So you have 5 food options here to choose and it is very nice place designwise and moodwise.
Mathöll Suðurlands
restaurant
Tasty tacos and beef dishes
Mathöll Suðurlands in Hveragerði offers a tasty selection of tacos and beef dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is charming, and there's plenty of parking available. Don't miss out on their delicious Cauliflower Tacos – they come highly recommended! So, if you're in the mood for some good food in a cozy setting, Mathöll Suðurlands is the place to be.
So depends on season and your timing - you could add some of the hotsprings to your trip:
As start point or end point if you would do it counterclockwise:
Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Warme lente
Natural hot springs near Reykjavík
Hvammsvik Hot Springs is a hidden gem near Reykjavík, Iceland, offering eight natural hot springs nestled between black sand beaches and stunning mountains. Visitors can unwind in the geothermal waters while soaking up the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. With cozy accommodations, delicious dining options, and various activities available, Hvammsvik promises a unique and rejuvenating experience away from the crowds. So, if you're looking to relax and reconnect with nature, this place might just be your new favorite getaway spot!
Between Thingvellir and Bruarfoss:
Laugarvatn Fontana
Warme lente
Geothermal spa with underground baking
Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa located in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle, offering a unique experience of relaxation and wellness. Visitors can soak in natural pools, enjoy steam baths, and even take a refreshing dip in the nearby lake. The highlight? Watching rye bread being baked underground by the Earth's heat! With various tours and activities available, Laugarvatn Fontana is the perfect spot to unwind and rejuvenate while exploring Iceland's natural wonders.
Side trip from Tomato Farm:
Secret Lagoon
Warme lente
Natural geothermal swimming pool sanctuary
The Secret Lagoon, also known as Gamla Laugin, is Iceland's oldest natural swimming pool nestled in a geothermal area near Flúðir. With water sourced from hot springs like Vaðmálahver and Litli Geysir, the lagoon maintains a cozy temperature of 38-40 degrees Celsius year-round. Originally built in 1891, it underwent a revival in 2005 to offer visitors a relaxing and authentic Icelandic experience. Complete with a bistro for snacks and drinks, traditional Icelandic showers, and a serene atmosphere, the Secret Lagoon is the perfect spot for anyone seeking peace and rejuvenation amidst nature's purest form.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Warme lente
Natural hot spring in Iceland
Hrunalaug Hot Spring is a cozy natural hot spring tucked away in the Icelandic countryside near Flúðir. With three pools, including one originally used for washing sheep, visitors can soak in the mineral-rich waters heated by geothermal activity. The hot spring, open during specific hours, offers a relaxing experience amidst stunning landscapes. Guests can enjoy a dip for therapeutic benefits and unwind in the serene surroundings. Plus, you might even spot some birds chirping nearby!
After Dinner in Hveragerdi
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
Warme lente
Geothermal river relaxation in Iceland
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is a magical spot in Iceland where visitors can soak in geothermal waters while surrounded by lush green valleys and bubbling mud pots. The hike to the river takes about 1 hour 15 minutes each way, offering stunning views of the Icelandic countryside along the trail. With varying water temperatures to choose from, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a moderate uphill trek. Don't forget to pack snacks, water, and respect the fragile environment by staying on the marked path and packing out any trash.