Practical Tips for the Golden Circle
Self-Drive vs. Organized Tour
| Option | Price (per person) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | Proportionate 30–50€ (rental car) + fuel | Flexible, own pace, visit insider tips, include Friðheimar/Secret Lagoon/Kerið | Navigation, parking search, no guide |
| Bus Tour (Standard) | From 8,000 ISK (53€) | No stress, guide tells stories, hotel pickup | Fixed program, little time at each stop, large groups (40+ people) |
| Minibus Tour | From 15,000 ISK (100€) | Small groups (12–19), more time, personal guide | More expensive, still a fixed program |
| Private Tour | From 80,000 ISK (533€) for 1–3 people | Completely individual, Super-Jeep, hidden spots | Expensive, only worth it for groups |
The Optimal Order
Most tourist buses follow the route Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss. If you're traveling by rental car, drive the route in reverse (Gullfoss → Geysir → Þingvellir) — then you'll always be a step ahead of the buses and encounter fewer crowds at the highlights.
Even better: Start before 8 AM in Reykjavík. The first buses arrive at the stops no earlier than 10 AM. Between 8 and 10 AM, you'll have Þingvellir almost to yourself — magical!
Overnight Instead of Day Trip
If you have more time, plan for one night in the Golden Circle region. Recommended accommodations:
- Selfoss: The "capital of the south" with supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels. Good starting point for Golden Circle and South Coast. Hotel Selfoss (upscale) or Gesthús Selfoss (budget)
- Flúðir: Small village next to the Secret Lagoon. Icelandair Hotel Flúðir or the cozy Syðra Langholt Guesthouse
- Laugarvatn: On the lake of the same name between Þingvellir and Geysir. The Laugarvatn Fontana Hotel combines spa and accommodation
- Camping: Þingvellir National Park has an excellent campsite (reserve!). There is also a campsite directly next to the geothermal field at Geysir
Food on the Go
- Friðheimar: The famous tomato soup (unlimited refill!) — the best lunch stop on the route. Reservation recommended!
- Geysir Bistro: At the Geysir visitor center, solid soups and sandwiches. Expensive, but the only option at Geysir
- Gullfoss Café: Surprisingly good traditional lamb soup and cakes. Sits directly at the waterfall, overlooking the gorge
- Efstidalur II: Farm restaurant between Þingvellir and Geysir with its own ice cream (the cows are visible next door). Burgers, pizza, and the best ice cream on the route
- Self-Catering: Buy provisions in Selfoss (Bónus supermarket). At the highlights, there are only expensive cafés
Weather & Best Season
The Golden Circle is accessible year-round — the route runs on paved roads. In winter, individual sections may be temporarily closed during snowstorms (check road.is!). The best season:
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Long days, everything green, all paths open. But: Crowds, especially on weekends
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): Golden birches in Þingvellir, fewer tourists, first chances for northern lights. Perfect compromise!
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Þingvellir in snow is magical, Gullfoss half-frozen spectacular, and you have the spots almost to yourself. But: Short days (4–5h of light), slippery paths, and the lower Gullfoss platform is often closed
- Spring (Apr–May): Snowmelt makes Gullfoss particularly powerful (highest water level!). Paths can be muddy
💡 Tipp
The Golden Circle can be perfectly combined with the first day of the South Coast route: Drive the Golden Circle and stay overnight in Selfoss or Hella — the next day, continue towards Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. This way, you save a day and a return trip to Reykjavík.
