Self-Drive Golden Circle Route: Where to Start and What to See

Most travelers on the Golden Circle drive set out from Reykjavík. A common clockwise loop starts by driving from Reykjavík to Thingvellir National Park (roughly 45 minutes). After, the route leads to Geysir and Gullfoss before returning to the capital. Plan for the full road trip to take between six and eight hours to complete.

Since the Golden Circle sticks to well-maintained, paved roads, you won't need a 4x4 vehicle for the main sites. If you’re traveling in winter, or planning detours into highland tracks or rough secondary roads, a 4×4 is recommended.

First Stop: Thingvellir National Park

The first stop of a Golden Circle drive is the spectacular Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Geologically, Thingvellir is famous for straddling the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here, you can literally walk through the Almannagjá Gorge, the towering rift valley where the plates are slowly drifting apart.

For an underwater detour, the Silfra fissure is a popular snorkeling spot, a water-filled crack between continents. Fed by crystalline meltwater from the Langjökull glacier, divers often describe the underwater visibility as startlingly clear. The experience is one-of-a-kind, allowing you to peer into what truly feels like the Earth’s core.

But Thingvellir isn’t just geology: it’s a site of immense historic significance. It was here, over a thousand years ago, that Vikings founded the Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest parliamentary assemblies. Gatherings were held at the rocky outcrop known as the Lögberg (Law Rock).

Second Stop: Geysir Geothermal Area

Did you know that the namesake of the English word “geyser” is an actual place in Iceland? The second stop of your self-drive Golden Circle tour is the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to the famous Great Geysir. For centuries, it was one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. At its prime, the Great Geysir fired superheated water up to 230 feet (70 meters) above ground. However, it has been largely dormant since the early 20th century.

Travelers now wander the expanded Geysir Geothermal Area to see other active vents, hot springs, and fumaroles. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Strokkur geyser. It erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting water up to around 30-40 metres (100-130 feet) into the air.

Third Stop: Gullfoss Waterfall

Finally, make your way to the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall for the last leg of the main Golden Circle drive. It’s easy to see why this is one of Iceland’s most iconic falls. Here, glacial-fed waters of the Hvítá River plunge in two tiers into a rugged canyon, creating a visceral roar and powerful spray. On sunny days, the mist catches the light, shimmering with brilliant rainbow arcs.

The waterfall's name, Gullfoss, translates directly to "Golden Falls," inspired by the waters’ golden-brown hue when the sun hits it. Some say this golden glow even gives the entire tourist circuit its fitting name: the Golden Circle.

Optional Detours on the Golden Circle Route

The best thing about a self-drive Golden Circle trip is you can add detours if you’re not ready to end the day just yet. For volcanic scenery, consider a short detour to Kerið Crater. This striking caldera, formed several thousand years ago, features steep red slopes and a vivid aquamarine lake at its base.

For pure relaxation, follow the locals to the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) in Flúðir, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Alternatively, the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa is an excellent place to unwind, located conveniently on your route back to Reykjavík.

ODDSSON Midtown and ODDSSON Downtown: The Perfect Base for Your Drive

Starting your Golden Circle drive from Reykjavík requires a convenient and comfortable base. Luckily, the ODDSSON Midtown and ODDSSON Downtown hotels are well-positioned. Both locations offer modern amenities, excellent locations, and the much-coveted benefit of free parking.

If your goal is to escape the city with minimal hassle, ODDSSON Midtown is a strong choice. It’s on the eastern side of the city, allowing you to kick off the drive from Reykjavík to Thingvellir National Park without navigating the heaviest city traffic. Meanwhile, if you enjoy being in the heart of the action, ODDSSON Downtown is ideal. The hotel is within walking distance to shops, cafés and nightlife.

Best of all, you can secure your logistics in advance. Both hotels offer the convenience of renting a car directly through the ODDSSON Midtown and ODDSSON Downtown websites.

Tips for Driving the Golden Circle Safely

• Check Conditions Before You Go: Always consult road.is and vedur.is for the latest weather and road updates. Remember, Icelandic conditions can change in mere minutes.

• Embrace Early Start or Late Return: To avoid crowds and traffic, start your drive early or plan to return late. Booking with ODDSSON allows you to fully relax with a meal and comfortable rest before or after your full day of exploration.

• Keep Headlights On: By law, headlights must be on 24/7, year-round, even in bright daylight.

• Fill Up the Gas Tank: Fuel up in Reykjavík before leaving, as gas stations on the route are fewer than in the city.

• Drive Cautiously in Winter: If traveling between October and April, a 4x4 vehicle is often recommended.

FAQs About the Self-Drive Golden Circle Route

Where is the start of the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is a loop that typically starts and ends in Reykjavík.

Can you do the Golden Circle by yourself?

Yes, it is very popular to rent a car for a self-drive Golden Circle road trip.

What is the best Golden Circle route?

The classic route visits the three main stops: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

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

Plan for a full day (6–8 hours or more) to enjoy the sights, although driving the Golden Circle nonstop is only about 3.5 hours.

When is the best time to visit the Golden Circle?

Summer offers long daylight and good road conditions; Winter offers snowscapes and a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Is it better to drive the Golden Circle clockwise or counterclockwise?

Clockwise is the most common route, starting with Þingvellir, as most day tours follow this path. Counterclockwise is a good option to potentially avoid some crowds by hitting the main sights later in the day.

Explore the Golden Circle with ODDSSON as Your Reykjavik Base

Make your Golden Circle drive more seamless with ODDSSON Midtown or ODDSSON Downtown as your base. This legendary route offers a full day of Iceland's wonders: geysers erupting, tectonic plates separating, and rivers tumbling down canyons. Both ODDSSON locations provide the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, including the much-needed amenity of free parking.