Iceland's Golden Circle - the Best Places to Visit in Winter

The Golden Circle is probably the most popular Iceland's tourist route. Easily accessible from Reykjavik all year round, it offers to witness the incredible natural wonders the country has to offer. This so-called Golden loop presents the outstanding beauty of Icelandic nature, history, and a chance to see the geothermal phenomenon close. Visiting the snow-covered Golden Ring in winter lends additional charm to already gorgeous landscapes and helps avoid the summer crowds.

Why is it called the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The name Golden Circle is derived from the name of Gullfoss, which means "golden waterfall" in Icelandic. Adding Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park to the route became known as Iceland's Golden Circle.

What do you see on the Golden Circle tour in Iceland?

The Golden Circle tour combines three major beautiful stops that offer a variety of unique landscapes, rare geological features hardly found anywhere else in the world. All these attractions are so close to each other that you can visit them in just one day.

Is Gullfoss part of the Golden Circle?

Yes, this magnificent waterfall stemming from the glacial river, Hvítá, is one of the main attractions of the Golden Circle.

1. What is included in the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle consists of Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and the Golden Waterfall - Gullfoss.

The 3 Must-See Places of the Golden Circle are:

Thingvellir National Park

Photo by falco

You will reach Þingvellir National Park on your Golden Circle route when heading northeast from Reykjavik. The Park is full of human and geologic history. In the center of the Park, there is a broad rift valley, which appeared as the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates started separating. Adventurous visitors are even offered scuba diving in the rift.

Geysir Geothermal Field

Photo by tuomi

Geysir itself does not erupt anymore, but visitors can enjoy regular eruptions from smaller neighbor Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, and visitors can enjoy a close view of its phenomenon.

The rest of the Geysir area is worth exploring, as well. You can see other geothermal features like hot pools and smaller geysers. Because of the geothermal activity, this area is a bit warmer and pleasant to explore.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Photo by khj800

The third most important stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, the majestic waterfall which waters thunder down into a canyon. It is awe-inspiring during wintertime as then it is surrounded by icicles, and the powerful stream of water bursts through layers of thick ice.

Extra Stops on the Golden Circle Route in Iceland

While many tours of the Golden Circle stick to the three most popular Golden Circle stops, there is a number of spectacular Golden Circle stops not to be missed, Gjabakkahellir Cave being one of them. The cave was formed during an eruption about 10 000 years ago. Gjabakkahellir lava cave in Thingvellir is open on both ends for visitors to walk directly through admiring incredible colorful rock formations and stalactites of all shapes and sizes.

Snorkeling in Silfra is a fantastic experience available to almost everyone over the age of sixteen. Silfra is one of the top ten dive sites in the world.

To feel the history of Iceland stop at Thingvallakirkja Church, in Þingvellir National Park's breathtaking location where the Althing parliamentary general assembly met between 930 CE and 1798. It has also been a church for over 1,000 years.

Kerið crater, a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area, also makes for the perfect detour for those on Golden Circle tour.

Photo by pvdberg

The Faxi waterfall is another popular tourist stop heading east of Reykjavik. The waterfall can be found on the Tungufljót river.

Secret Lagoon offers to soak in geothermal water in the open air all year round. You can even go on a full-day yoga relaxation tour to the Secret Lagoon.

Gain a unique insight into the processes of greenhouse horticulture and the use of geothermal heating in Icelandic horticulture visiting Friðheimar Greenhouses.

Laugarvatn Fontana Spa offers a unique experience of the healing powers of the geothermal springs. In the middle of the Golden Circle, in Efstidalur farm, you will get a glance of the farm life experience. This family farm is open for tourists and offers a variety of products straight from their farm - ice cream, skyr, and feta cheese. In the restaurant, you can order beef from the farm and other local food.

Don't miss Skálholt, a historical town in the south of Iceland, at the river Hvítá and Slakki Zoo, located in Laugarás in Biskupstungur. At the zoo, you can enjoy the beautiful countryside among Icelandic farm animals like rabbits, ducks, puppies, kittens, turkeys, geese, foxes, goats, and chickens.

At the Hyita river base, you can enjoy rafting or salmon fishing.

Sólheimar Eco-Village is one more exciting place to visit. This eco-village formed in 1930 and has always been a unique place with a distinct philosophy. Sólheimar is approximately 45 minutes' drive from Þingvellir and Geysir.

Can you drive the Golden Circle Iceland?            

Winter in Iceland can be rough, and not everyone will feel confident driving in Iceland in winter. If you are familiar with the roads and driving in snowy conditions, it wouldn't be a problem driving the Golden Circle Iceland in winter yourself. However, if you are not confident in driving in snowy, wintery conditions, take a guided tour in the winter, and self-drive in summer. Bus travel tours of the Golden Circle are very popular all year round as they save your time preparing for the trip and make sure you will not miss the main attractions.

Is it difficult to drive in Iceland?

The Golden Circle route is quite easy to drive and navigate yourself. Even off the Ring Road, Iceland's roads are well-maintained and are safe to drive. There is some traffic on the roads any time of the year and you are likely to get help if needed.

Driving the Golden Circle technically takes only 3 hours round-trip. However, the trip can last 6-8 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop and how many stops you will make.

Winter or summer, if you want to experience some of Iceland's stunning landscapes but don't have time for longer holidays, the Golden Circle is a wonderful option to get the feeling of Iceland.  

Golden Circle tours, self-drive, or organized grant you access to the best of Icelandic nature and culture.