The Ultimate Guide: Self-Drive the Golden Circle Iceland

One day, three main characters. The Golden Circle is a sightseeing route that spans about 142 miles (230 kilometres) from Reykjavík and back. It’s famed for showcasing three of Iceland’s popular natural wonders: Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir), Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Although driving Iceland’s Golden Circle only takes 3–4 hours without stops, plan at least 6–8 hours for a full day trip.

Why Choose to Self-Drive the Golden Circle, Iceland

First things first: is grabbing the wheel truly better than joining a guided tour? For travellers who dream of exploring Iceland in gloriously untethered freedom, the answer is a resounding yes.

While tours can be fun, there’s nothing quite like cruising through Iceland’s breathtaking scenery completely on your own terms. When you self-drive, you can skip the rigid schedules, mandatory souvenir shops, and elbow-to-elbow crowds. Instead, you’re free to let the adventure unfold naturally.

Relax by the waterfall, take a spontaneous hot spring detour, or pull over for a photo in fleeting daylight. This is your Golden Circle itinerary, dictated only by the road ahead.

Additionally, the Golden Circle route is the absolute ideal road trip for first-time explorers in Iceland. The roads are paved and easy to navigate, with all the main attractions clearly signposted and accessible from the road. As you drive, spectacular views accompany you the whole way through.

Planning Your Golden Circle Itinerary

A self-drive of the Golden Circle Iceland begins and ends conveniently in Reykjavík, making your MyCar rental pick-up and drop-off simple. Many tours follow a clockwise loop, taking you to the main stops in sequence. First to Thingvellir National Park, then Geysir Geothermal Area, and finally Gullfoss.

To drive the classic clockwise route: from Reykjavík take Route 1 east, then exit onto Route 36 toward Thingvellir. After your visit, continue via Routes 365/37 toward the Geysir, and then take Route 35 to reach Gullfoss. For the return leg, remain on Route 35 south and then merge back onto Route 1 toward Reykjavík.

Alternatively, you could choose to drive in the opposite (counter-clockwise) direction to avoid the rush. By reversing the traditional flow, you may enjoy a slightly more relaxed pace at the main sites.

To make the most of your day trip, plan for an early start. Aim to depart Reykjavík around 7 or 8 am. Many tour buses leave later, so arriving at your first stop ahead of the main wave can give you a quieter experience.

Top Stops Along Iceland’s Golden Circle

As one of Iceland’s most scenic drives, Golden Circle tours give travellers a front-row seat to awe-inspiring natural attractions. In just one day, this journey delivers a sampler of Iceland's wonders, from tectonic drama to erupting geysers and thundering cascades.

Explore Thingvellir National Park

Lying around 45 minutes from Reykjavík, Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir) is often the first stop in a clockwise Golden Circle loop. As both Iceland’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a required stop for two profound reasons: its tectonic drama and its historical legacy.

Geologically, Thingvellir is peerless. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can clearly see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge on land. Here, you can walk the Almannagjá Gorge, which marks the boundary where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Nearby is the famed Silfra fissure, a crystal-clear glacial-fed rift where snorkelers literally drift between two tectonic plates.

Beyond the ridge, the park is hallowed ground for Icelandic history. It’s the site of the Alþingi, Iceland’s ancient national parliament and recognised as one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions. For centuries, this sacred plain served as the political and legal heart of the nation.

Allocate at least two to three hours exploring the main trails of Thingvellir National Park. Admire the views of Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Lake Þingvallavatn, and the rift valley. If you have additional time, consider a longer hike, a horseback ride through lava fields, or a scenic drive around the lake. After all, when you self-drive the Golden Circle Iceland, you can stay as long as you want.

Discover the Geysir Geothermal Area

Next is the Geysir Geothermal Area, tucked into the Haukadalur Valley with bubbling mud-pots, steaming fumaroles, and hot spring pools. Among the Golden Circle stops, this one’s a stark reminder that you’re exploring one of the world’s most active geothermal regions.

This field is famous for the original Great Geysir, the natural feature that gave the English language the word "geyser." Though it now lies dormant, historically its jets reached some of the greatest heights recorded in any geyser. Today, the spotlight belongs to its neighbour, Strokkur. This geyser erupts every 5–10 minutes, spouting scalding water and steam up to 40 metres (130 feet) high.

Spend at least an hour strolling the boardwalks to capture the colourful mineral deposits and watch Strokkur’s eruptions. Remember: stay on the marked pathways and observe any warning signs. The ground here is porous and unstable, and the boiling water can be dangerously hot.

Visit Gullfoss Waterfall

When exploring the Golden Circle, the last main stop is Gullfoss Waterfall, widely regarded as Iceland’s most famous waterfall. Hidden in a narrow, rugged canyon on the glacial Hvítá River, the falls plunge in a mist-shrouded spectacle into the wild landscape below.

The two-tier drop is a sight to behold: a short 11-metre fall, followed by a dramatic 21-metre plunge. In total, the churning water of the Hvítá River descends 32 metres (105 feet) into the gorge below. On sunny days, the refreshing spray can create luminous rainbows above the pool. It’s no wonder why the so-called Golden Falls is a photographer’s favourite.

Travellers typically linger for 45 minutes to an hour, marvelling at the panoramas from the upper viewing deck and the lower pathway. Marking the natural endpoint of the classic self-drive of the Golden Circle Iceland, Gullfoss is a memorable finale.

Take a Detour (Or a Couple): Secret Lagoon and Other Hidden Gems

If you have time on your side, don’t miss the detours. This is, after all, the best thing about taking a self-drive of the Golden Circle in Iceland. Trust us: while the main stops are incredible, there’s always more to see just a turn or two away.

• Fontana Geothermal Baths: Located between Thingvellir National Park and Geysir in the village of Laugarvatn, this is a great place to pause midday. Here, relax in mineral baths and natural steam rooms built directly over a hot spring, with views of Lake Laugarvatn.
• Brúarfoss Waterfall: Between Laugarvatn and Geysir Geothermal Area is this cascade dubbed "Iceland's Bluest Waterfall." The lesser-known gem is famous for the intense azure hue of its glacial meltwater. It requires a 3.5-kilometre (2-mile) walk each way from the parking lot.
• Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin): Located in the village of Flúðir, south of Geysir, Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool. A comfortable 100–104°F (38–40°C) year-round, it’s a peaceful soak surrounded by natural moss and bubbling hot spring vents.
• Laugarás Lagoon: On the banks of the Hvítá River sits Laugarás Lagoon, a brand-new geothermal spa with upscale design, infinity pools, and river views. This is the perfect spot for luxurious relaxation after completing the main circuit.

Kerið Volcanic Crater: A beautiful, symmetrical volcanic caldera approximately 3,000 years old, Kerið lies along Route 35, near the town of Selfoss. Its slopes are a vibrant, deep red, creating a stunning contrast with the blue-green lake at the bottom.

Driving Tips for the Golden Circle Route

This Golden Circle itinerary keeps you on well-maintained roads and is easy to navigate. Still, Iceland's driving environment presents unique challenges, and even experienced drivers can be surprised. Keep these essential tips in mind for a safe, stress-free, and fine-free journey in your MyCar rental car:

• Headlights On at All Times: By Icelandic law, your low-beam headlights must remain switched on at all hours, day or night, even in bright summer daylight.
• Check Conditions Frequently: Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable. Always check road.is for real-time road conditions and vedur.is for the latest weather forecast before and during your trip. Do not attempt to drive on roads marked as closed.
• Fuel Up: Outside the Reykjavík area fuel stations become fewer and farther between. Refuel early when possible, carry snacks and water, and only pull over at safe lay-bys or designated parking spaces.
• Respect the Terrain: Off-roading is illegal in Iceland. Driving off marked roads is strictly forbidden and can result in massive fines, as it can damage Iceland’s fragile, centuries-old ecosystem. Stick to designated roads and parking areas only.
• Navigating Single-Lane Bridges: Many minor bridges along the route are single-lane. The basic rule: the vehicle closest to the bridge has the right of way.
• Consider Vehicle Requirements (4x4 vs. 2WD): The main Golden Circle loop is accessible by a standard 2-wheel-drive vehicle. In winter, a 4×4 may be recommended and is required for any F-roads.

Best Time of Year to Drive the Golden Circle

Golden Circle tours are beautiful year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. Summer (June–August) offers the easiest driving, near-endless daylight for nonstop sightseeing, and lush green landscapes. The downside? The summer months draw the highest crowds.

In contrast, winter (roughly November–March) rewards self-drivers with fewer crowds. Expect a magical, snow-dusted landscape where steaming geysers and frozen cascades amplify the drama. The trade-off: shorter daylight hours and more demanding driving conditions.

Meanwhile, autumn (September and October) strikes a lovely balance: golden foliage, fewer crowds, and milder driving conditions. Ultimately, the best time to self-drive the Golden Circle route, Iceland depends on your priority: daylight, fewer people, or vibrant colours.

One-Day vs. Multi-Day Golden Circle Itineraries

While our guide focuses on a one-day Golden Circle itinerary, the experience can easily be extended. If you have time, you can spend two to three days exploring the loop at a slower pace. In summer, the long daylight hours make camping or staying overnight near Thingvellir National Park especially appealing.

For an even longer excursion, embark on the 1,332-kilometre (828-mile) Ring Road itinerary around the entire island. The Golden Circle is a natural, popular detour of this longer tour encircling Iceland.

Exploring the Golden Circle at Your Own Pace

The Golden Circle route stands as the quintessential Icelandic experience. A compact, powerful journey, it delivers tectonic drama, geothermal spectacle, and natural beauty in one unforgettable loop. Ultimately, the greatest reward of the self-drive the Golden Circle Iceland is freedom. It’s the perfect introductory itinerary to Iceland: accessible and well-paved, yet deeply satisfying for even the most seasoned explorer.

Ready to take the reins? All that's left is to choose your itinerary, set your pace, and start your journey with the perfect vehicle from MyCar rental. The Golden Circle awaits.

FAQs About Self-Driving the Golden Circle in Iceland

Can you drive the Golden Circle yourself?

Absolutely, many travellers self-drive the Golden Circle Iceland as it's the easiest and most flexible way to see the sights.

How long does it take to drive the Iceland Golden Circle?

Driving time without stops is about 3–4 hours. However, allow at least 6–8 hours to fully enjoy the attractions and complete the route in one day. Some stretch out the drive over multiple days to visit all the main sights, plus detours like the Secret Lagoon.

Is Selfoss on the Golden Circle?

While Selfoss is not one of the signature stops on Golden Circle tours, many travelers pass through or stay in the town, as it lies close to the route.

Where to stay when driving the Golden Circle in Iceland?

Most visitors stay in Reykjavík, as the trip is easily completed as a day trip. However, towns like Flúðir or Laugarvatn offer accommodations closer to the main sights.

Do you need a 4x4 for the Golden Circle in Iceland?

No, the Golden Circle route is on paved roads (Routes 36, 365, and 35). If you’re planning to rent a car, a standard vehicle is sufficient during summer. A 4x4 may be recommended in winter due to snow and ice.

Is the Golden Circle worth driving in winter?

Yes, it is still worthwhile, but you should check road conditions before you self-drive the Golden Circle Iceland in winter.