Exploring the Golden Circle Iceland - Everything you need to know

How to visit the Golden Circle Iceland: Highlights & Hidden Gems

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most captivating routes. Located in south-west Iceland, this scenic loop will take you to the geothermal wonderland of Geysir, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the dramatic Thingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates meet.

While these are the three official Golden Circle stops, there are plenty of other beautiful, lesser-known sights to explore along the way. I’ve done the Golden Circle Iceland twice now – once as a guided tour and the second time as a self-drive adventure – and both visits were magical.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Iceland’s Golden Circle, including what to see and how to see it. You’ll find a route map with all the must-see stops, as well as tips for self-driving the Golden Circle, and recommended tours if you don’t have a hire car. I’ve also included a one-day itinerary and suggestions on how to fit the Golden Circle into a longer Iceland road trip. This blog post is based on my own first-hand experiences, along with some additional tips and suggestions from Iceland’s locals. Let’s dive in!

Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you but it just helps me to keep writing these free guides and itineraries for my readers. Thank you for your support!

Golden Circle Iceland: Everything you need to know

Guide to the Golden Circle

What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle Iceland is a 155-mile circular drive that visits three of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions; Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park. It’s the perfect introduction to the country’s diverse landscapes and geological marvels.

The great thing about Iceland’s Golden Circle is that it’s just a stone’s throw away from the country’s capital, Reykjavik. You can visit the Golden Circle on a day trip from Reykjavik or as part of a longer road trip around the South Coast or the entire Ring Road.

If you’re curious about how you could incorporate the Golden Circle into your Iceland trip, I’ve put together a couple of itineraries which you can use as inspiration:

  • 3-Day Iceland Itinerary: Use Reykjavik as a base to explore the Golden Circle, South Coast and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
  • 6-Day Iceland Itinerary: Road trip from Reykjavik down the South Coast all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon via the Golden Circle.
What’s the difference between the Golden Circle and the Ring Road in Iceland?

The Golden Circle is a much smaller loop than the Ring Road. You can easily drive the Golden Circle in one day, whereas you would need at least 7 days to drive the Ring Road. Most people spend 10 to 14 days exploring the Ring Road which takes you around the entire country.

Golden Circle Route Map

Below you’ll find a map with the Golden Circle route. If you were to drive the entire route without stopping it would take you between 3 to 4 hours. However, with so many amazing Golden Circle stops to see, you’ll definitely need the whole day! Most tour companies run full-day tours to and from Reykjavik for this reason.

If you’re thinking about self-driving the Golden Circle route, the roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate. You don’t need a 4WD car to drive the Golden Circle; a 2WD vehicle is enough for this route. However, if you are doing it as part of a longer trip or during the winter months, you might need to consider hiring a 4WD vehicle instead.

What’s the best way to explore the Golden Circle?

When it comes to exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle, you have two options; you can either rent a car and drive, or you can join a guided tour. So which one is better? Let’s look at both options:

Self-driving the Golden Circle Iceland

There’s no doubt that self-driving the Golden Circle is the most flexible option. You can stop when you like and take your time. There are so many amazing stops along the Golden Circle and unfortunately, you won’t get to see them all on a tour. While there are some great tours that cover a lot, it just isn’t possible to stop everywhere. Hiring a car and driving yourself means you can get off the beaten path and explore some quieter, lesser-known Golden Circle spots.

If you decide to do a self-drive Golden Circle adventure, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

  • Hiring a car in Iceland can be quite expensive. Iceland is not a cheap country to visit and like most things, car hire comes at a premium cost compared to other European countries. Make sure you book your vehicle in advance to get the best rate. I like to use AutoEurope to compare prices and get the best deal.
  • You don’t need a 4WD vehicle to drive the Golden Circle; a 2WD will suffice as the roads are well-maintained. However, as I mentioned earlier on, if you are doing the Golden Circle Iceland as part of a longer road trip, you may need to hire a 4WD. Some roads in Iceland can only be accessed with a 4WD so make sure you do your research before booking a car. If you’re travelling in winter, I also recommend getting a 4WD as the roads can be snowy and icy.

Driving in Iceland is quite straightforward, especially if you’re travelling from North America or Europe. That being said, you should familiarise yourself with Iceland’s road signs and rules before you set off.

Joining a Golden Circle guided tour

Not sure if you want to drive the Golden Circle Iceland? Don’t worry, there are plenty of great tours that you can join instead. My first trip to the Golden Circle was actually on a guided tour and it was a fantastic experience. I know guided tours often get a lot of bad press but I personally think they’re a great way to explore if you don’t want to drive or hire a car. The most important thing is to do your research, read reviews, and look into the tour operator. There are some amazing tour companies in Iceland that offer a wonderful guest experience.

Most tours will include the three official Golden Circle stops (Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park), as well as a few additional ones. You can choose from a half day or full day tours, but I’d recommend the latter as you don’t want to feel rushed.

If the idea of doing a guided tour appeals to you, I’ve included some tours that I highly recommend later on in this guide. I’ve also added in where they stop so you can decide which ones you would want to see and what tour is right for you.

The verdict

Like anything, there are always going to be pros and cons. I personally think driving and joining a guided tour are both great ways to see the Golden Circle Iceland. It really depends on your personal preferences, budget and itinerary. Guided tours range from $50 USD to $200 USD, while car hire can easily cost $200 USD for the day. If you’re visiting on your own or with one other person, a Golden Circle tour is probably more cost effective than hiring a car. For groups of four, hiring a car is probably a cheaper option.

Driving the Golden Circle route in Iceland

Which way should you drive the Golden Circle in Iceland?

If you decide to do a Golden Circle Iceland self-drive adventure, the next big question is, “what direction should you drive it?” The Golden Circle Iceland route is not a one-way system so you can drive it clockwise or counter-clockwise. It really depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re heading next:

  • Starting in Reykjavik and continuing onto the South Coast or the Ring Road: Go clockwise and start in Thingvellir National Park.
  • Coming from the South Coast and finishing in Reykjavik: Go counter-clockwise and start the loop at Kerið Crater.

If you’re planning a day trip from Reykjavik and are self-driving the Golden Circle, you can go either way. Some blogs will tell you to go in a counter-clockwise direction to avoid the crowds; however, the tour buses go in both directions now so it won’t make much of a difference. The Golden Circle’s beauty and proximity to Reykjavik means it will be very busy. Try and go early in the morning if you can as that is definitely the quietest time.

Can you do the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon in one day?

Yes! You can easily visit two of Iceland’s top attractions in one day. If you’re hiring a car, you can drive the Golden Circle in the morning and afternoon, and then head over to the Blue Lagoon for an evening spa session. For those of you that don’t want to hire a car, there are actually a few tours that visit both destinations:

Blue Lagoon close to Grindavik in Iceland

When is the best time to visit Iceland’s Golden Circle?

The great thing about this route is that it can be done all year round. Most of the attractions are open from January to December and the roads are well-maintained in summer and winter. I’ve visited the Golden Circle Iceland in summer (self-driving) and winter (guided tour).

Summer

Summer is peak time for visitors so the Golden Circle route will be busy. Don’t let that put you off though! The attractions are all quite large and there is plenty of space to walk around and take photos, even when it is crowded.

If you want to try and avoid the crowds, a Golden Circle Iceland self-drive adventure is probably your best bet. You can get up and go early before the tours start and take advantage of the long days. In June and July, you have almost unlimited hours of daylight thanks to the Midnight Sun. This natural phenomenon is due to a tilt in the Earth’s axis and means that the sun rarely dips below the horizon in Iceland.

You can use this to your advantage by adjusting your sleep schedule. For example, you could get up at 3 or 4pm and then go to bed after sunrise at 4 or 5am. This isn’t for everyone, but if you can manage it, you’ll get a lot of these popular locations to yourself and the roads will be much, much quieter!

Winter

If you are planning to visit the Golden Circle in winter, I would recommend joining a tour. It’s a much more relaxing way to get around as you don’t have to worry about winter driving conditions. The cold weather also means that you won’t want to stop at places for as long as you would in the summer. Guided tours will give you plenty of time at each stop, and you can then jump back on the bus to warm up!

In winter, the sun sets and rises much later and there are days where you may only have 4 to 6 hours of daylight. Some of the places along the Golden Circle, like the river, won’t be accessible but you can enjoy fewer crowds and much cheaper travel prices. My first trip to Iceland was actually in winter (back in February 2013) and I loved it! The winter landscapes were gorgeous and seeing the incredible Gullfoss partially frozen was magical.

If you plan to visit in winter and drive, make sure you keep an eye on the Iceland weather forecast and Iceland road conditions. SafeTravel IS and Road IS are two great resources for this. 

The official Golden Circle stops

Now that you know a bit more about the Golden Circle in Iceland, here’s some information about each of the three official stops:

Gullfoss

Golden Circle Iceland - Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss is one of the finest waterfalls in Iceland. In English, Gullfoss means ‘golden falls’ which is an appropriate name for this iconic spot. The waterfall plunges 32 metres over two tiers into a small gorge which cuts through the neighbouring landscape. This unusual, cascading shape makes Gullfoss one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland.

There are several viewing platforms around Gullfoss that offer different angles of the waterfall and canyon – just be prepared to get quite wet from the spray! The trails can be quite slippery as a result so make sure you stay on the designated paths.

Visitor information

Parking is free but there is a small fee to use the restrooms (about 200 ISK) which is payable by card. However, there are some restrooms in the Visitor Centre that are free to use.

Geysir

Golden Circle Iceland - Geysir

Located in the Haukadalur geothermal area, Geysir (also known as The Great Geysir) is a hot spring that spouts steam and hot water high into the air. It used to erupt regularly; however, in recent years it has become quite unreliable. Fortunately, its neighbour, Strokkur, is one of the most active geysers in Iceland. It erupts every 8 to 10 minutes, spouting water over 20 metres into the air. It’s a thrilling spectacle to watch!

For safety reasons, make sure you don’t get too close to any of the geysers in the area. Always ensure the wind is behind you when you’re facing the geyser so that the water is blown away from you.

Visitor information

Geysir is free to visit. There is a large parking lot and a Visitor Centre where you’ll find a souvenir shop, toilets, and a café. The geysers are just a 5-minute walk from the car park. 

Þingvellir National Park

Golden Circle Iceland - Thingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park or Thingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland. It’s here that Iceland held its first parliament over one thousand years ago.

The park is also a geological wonder. Set on the mid-Atlantic ridge, the park marks the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and separate, creating large fissures. You can actually book guided tours to snorkel in one of the fissures called Silfra. Named as one of the top dive sites in the world by National Geographic, it’s said to have the clearest water on earth. If you’re interested, this is a great Silfra snorkelling tour. If snorkelling isn’t for you, check out the different hiking trails in the park.

Visitor information

Entrance to the park is free of charge but you do have to pay for parking. A day pass costs 750 ISK and is payable by card at the machines in the car park. 

The other Golden Circle stops

The three official Golden Circle stops are the most well-known; however, there is plenty more to explore on this route:

Kerið Crater

Iceland's Golden Circle - Kerid Crater

Formed over 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, the beautiful Kerið Crater is one of the best stops along the Golden Circle. The crater’s vibrant colours are fascinating to see in person. It’s believed that Kerið Crater was once a volcano but it collapsed after erupting and fell in upon itself. At some point following the collapse, the crater filled with water.

The parking lot is located right next to the crater. From there, it’s a short walk to the rim of the crater. If you want to get closer to the lake, you can follow the trail down to the base.

Parking is free but there is an entrance fee of 400 ISK per vehicle to walk around the rim and down to the lake. There are a few machines in the car park where you can pay with card.

Skálholt

Iceland's Golden Circle - Skálholt

A quick detour off the Golden Circle Iceland will take you to the small village of Skálholt. Known for its large cathedral, this remarkable town was the seat of Iceland’s bishop from 1056 until the 19th century. Given that the bishop of Iceland was one of the most powerful positions in the country, Skálholt has played an important part in Iceland’s religious history. It’s also considered to have been Iceland’s first town and the site of the country’s first school back in the 12th century.

The new cathedral was built in 1963 and houses a small art collection, as well as artifacts and archaeological facts from the area. If you’re interested in learning more about Iceland’s history, Skálholt is definitely a great stop on the Golden Circle. It is located on Route 31, just off Route 35, close to the Geyser geothermal area.

Thorufoss

Thorufoss waterfall located on the Golden Circle in Iceland

Gullfoss may be the most well-known waterfall along the Golden Circle, but if you have time, I highly recommend taking a short detour to Thorufoss. Located just 5 minutes from the main route, Thorufoss, or þórufoss, is an 18-metre cascading waterfall in the Laxá í Kjós river. While Thorufoss may not be as tall as other waterfalls in Iceland, it is incredibly picturesque thanks to its valley location. It’s one of the most scenic waterfalls in the area after Gullfoss and it even made an appearance in Game of Thrones. 

Thorufoss is located just off Route 48. There is a small parking lot but it isn’t well signposted so it’s easy to miss. From the car park, it’s a 5-minute walk to a viewpoint where you can see the waterfall. It’s a flat walk to the viewpoint; however, if you want to get closer, you’ll have to walk down a fairly steep path to the base of the waterfall.

Helgufoss

Helgufoss is another beautiful waterfall near the Golden Circle that’s worth stopping at if you have time. The 12-metre-high waterfall cascades over a mossy cliff and is a pretty sight to see. Although it’s only a short drive from the main route, it’s one of the lesser-visited Golden Circle stops so there’s a good chance you’ll have this peaceful spot to yourself.

Faxi Waterfall (Vatnsleysufoss)

Faxi Falls in Iceland

Located on the Tungufljót river, Faxi (also known as Vatnsleysufoss) may not be the tallest waterfall but it’s an unusual one and is definitely worth a quick stop. It’s only 7 metres high but at 80 metres wide, there are some great photo opportunities. Like Helgufoss, Faxi waterfall is one of the lesser-known stops along the Golden Circle Iceland route. It’s only a 5-minute detour from the Golden Circle route, yet a lot of visitors don’t make the short trip. If you’re trying to escape the crowds and get off the beaten track, add Faxi waterfall to your list!

Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana in Iceland

Iceland is known for its geothermal pools, many of which are just a short drive from the Golden Circle. Laugarvatn Fontana is a stylish geothermal spa and wellness centre located in the picturesque village of Laugarvatn. The village is perched on the edge of a vast lake which is known for its geothermal activity. What is so lovely about Laugarvatn Fontana’s baths is that they open out onto the lake so you can literally soak in the views!

There is also a traditional Finnish sauna, three steam rooms, hot tubs, and relaxation pools which vary in temperature. If you’re travelling with kids, there are plenty of shallow pools which are cooler so they can enjoy the water while you relax. Don’t miss the chance to try Laugarvatn Fontana’s famous lava bread which is baked using geothermal heat.

Laugarvatn Fontana is located between Thingvellir National Park and Haukadalur Geothermal Field. Parking is free for spa visitors. You can find prices for the spa itself on their website.

Secret Lagoon

While it may not be such a secret anymore, the Secret Lagoon (also called Gamla Laugin) is still one of the best Golden Circle stops. This large outdoor pool is naturally heated by the nearby hot spring which continuously flows into the pool. Dating back to 1891, the Secret Lagoon is the oldest man-made swimming pool in the country. It fell into disrepair until around 2005 when the current owner began using it as a private pool. The pool officially re-opened to the public in 2014 and has been renovated and modernized, making it a great place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

The Secret Lagoon is located in the town of Flúðir on Route 30. It’s a 5-mile (8 km) detour from the Golden Circle Iceland route so it’s easy to visit by car. There are also guided tours of the Golden Circle that will take you to the Secret Lagoon. You can find opening hours and entrance fees on their official website. I recommend booking your tickets in advance online as it has become a popular stop on the Golden Circle.

Reykjadalur Thermal River

Foot bridge over Hot River in Reykjadalur Valley in South Iceland

Unlike the previous two geothermal pools, the Reykjadalur Thermal River is completely free to visit. As the name suggests, this geothermal spring is located along the river and is one of the most scenic spots to soak. However, getting there requires a bit more effort! In order to reach the hot pools, you have to hike about one hour each way from the parking lot. The path is well marked and is quite easy to follow but there are a few uphill sections.

Once you reach the geothermal area, you’ll be rewarded with several hot pools. You can also continue further upstream where you’ll find other areas where you can bathe. These spots are usually quieter than the main area. Keep in mind that there aren’t any changing areas, showers or toilets. There is a wooden boardwalk area with some wooden panels where you can change behind; however, they aren’t enclosed. There also aren’t any shelters for your stuff so I suggest bringing a blanket or waterproof cover to keep your bags dry.

The parking lot is a 5-minute detour from the Golden Circle route via the town of Hveragerði. The springs are free to visit but there is a small fee for parking. I would aim to do this at the end of the day as it’s a nice way to relax. It also means you’ll know how much time you have and won’t have to rush to get to your next stop.

Important: This is a summer stop. I wouldn’t visit here in winter as the path will be snowy and icy and it will be hard to follow, making it unsafe in areas.

GOLDEN CIRCLE TOURS

Here are a few tours I highly recommend if you don’t have a car. Hopefully this will help you decide which tour is right for you!

  • Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater: This highly rated tour has two departure times – 8am or 12pm – so you can fit it around your itinerary. Pickup and drop off is from Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg (on Þórunnartún) or selected locations. It stops at the three official stops, as well as Kerid Crater.
  • From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour: This tour has three departure times; 8am, 10am or 12pm. It departs from Reykjavik Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10.
  • Reykjavik: The Golden Circle Day Tour: This 6.5 hour tour starts at 12:30pm from BSÍ Bus Terminal so it’s ideal if you want to do some sightseeing before setting off.
  • Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Package: If you’re visiting in winter and aren’t planning to hire a car, this is a fantastic option. There are a few tours run by different companies but I would highly recommend this small group tour run by Try Iceland Tours. The driver and tour guide, Adam, is very knowledgeable and professional. Seeing the lights is never guaranteed due to weather conditions but Adam has a great track record of finding them. This is also a great way to see some of the lesser visited spots on the Golden Circle on a tour.
A note on tours

I always recommend booking your tour tickets through Get Your Guide or Viator as you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The weather is so changeable in Iceland so having this flexibility is reassuring. Some tours also let you reserve in advance and pay later.

I do get a very small commission if you book your tickets through my links at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend service providers that I personally use and trust. Booking from these links helps me keep my blog going and means I can continue providing free travel guides and itineraries. Thanks for your support!

Golden Circle Iceland self-drive itinerary

If you’ve decided that you want to hire a car and drive the Golden Circle, I’ve put together a brief itinerary that you can use as a starting point. This 1-day Golden Circle itinerary departs from Reykjavik in the morning and returns in the evening, giving you a full day to explore. You can do this itinerary all year round but you may need to adjust as some places like the Reykjadalur Thermal River may not be accessible in winter.

You could also add this itinerary to a longer trip and do a slightly different route. If you need some inspiration on how to do that, see my South Coast road trip guide.

I recommend doing this itinerary clockwise if you’re travelling in summer so that you can finish at the Reykjadalur Thermal River. If you’re not worried about going to the river, you can do the itinerary in either direction.

1: Helgufoss

  • Driving time: 30 minutes from Reykjavik
  • Exploring time: 30 minutes

2: Thorufoss

  • Driving time: 17 minutes from Helgufoss
  • Exploring time: 15 minutes

3: Thingvellir National Park

  • Driving time: 20 minutes from Thorufoss
  • Exploring time: 2 hours (3 hours if you plan to go snorkelling)

4: Gullfoss

  • Driving time: 55 minutes from Thingvellir National Park
  • Exploring time: 45 minutes

5: Geysir

  • Driving time: 10 minutes from Gullfoss
  • Exploring time: 30 minutes

6: Faxi Waterfall

  • Driving time: 10 minutes from Geysir
  • Exploring time: 15 minutes

7: Secret Lagoon (if you aren’t doing Reykjadalur Thermal River)

  • Driving time: 15 minutes
  • Exploring time: 1 hour

8: Kerið Crater

  • Driving time: 30 minutes from Secret Lagoon
  • Exploring time: 15 minutes (1 hour if you want to hike down to the crater floor)

9: Reykjadalur Thermal River (if you didn’t do Secret Lagoon)

  • Driving time: 25 minutes from Kerið Crater
  • Exploring time: 3 hours

10: Reykjavik

  • Driving time: 45 minutes from Reykjadalur Thermal River

Where to stay on the Golden Circle

Gullfoss on the Golden Circle Iceland

Most travellers will visit the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavik, or as part of a longer trip where they will continue onto another destination for the night. However, if you do want to stay overnight on the Golden Circle, there are a few places to choose from:

Accommodation on the Golden Circle

There is a range of hotels and guest houses along the Golden Circle, as well as campgrounds at Thingvellir National Park and Geysir if you want to camp:

Accommodation in Reykjavik

If you’re doing the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavik, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Here are a few that I would recommend from my previous trips as well as suggestions from friends and family:

I recommend staying in the centre of the city known as Miðborg (Midborg). Also known as the 101, this area is within walking distance to a lot of Reykjavik’s main attractions.

Planning a trip to Reykjavik? I’ve put together a Reykjavik city guide with the best things to do.

Other places to visit to near Iceland’s Golden Circle

Seljalandsfoss on Iceland's South Coast

The Golden Circle Iceland is home to some of the country’s most breath-taking sights; however, it’s just the beginning. Here are a few other destinations not too far from the Golden Circle that you should try and visit:

  • Reykjanes Peninsula: You’ll see a bit of the Reykjanes peninsula as you fly into Iceland but it’s definitely worth exploring if you have time. This area is a UNESCO Global Geopark and is home to the Fagradalsfjall volcano as well as the Blue Lagoon.
  • Dyrólaey Peninsula and Reynisfjara Beach: Iceland’s South Coast is home to some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever witnessed. The cliffs of Dyrólaey look out over the famous black sand beaches and are the nesting grounds for puffins in the summer months. Close by is Reynisfjara Beach where you’ll find large basalt columns, caves and sea stacks. Both places are about a 1 hour and 30 minute-drive from the Golden Circle. Alternatively you can join a South Coast tour from Reykjavik.
  • Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss: Located along the South Coast, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are probably two of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls – and for a good reason! They’re not far from Selfoss which is on the Golden Circle loop, so it’s easy to make a quick detour on the way back to Reykjavik.

What to pack for the Golden Circle

Temperatures and conditions can vary drastically in Iceland, even in the summer months. I’m currently working on a complete Iceland packing guide but below I’ve suggested some items that you should pack 3 days in Iceland. If you’re travelling in winter, you’ll need to bring more thermal layers, woolly hats and gloves.

Insulated jacket

I recommend packing at least one warm insulated jacket such as the Patagonia Down Jacket or Nano Puff Jacket.

Waterproof coat

A waterproof jacket is essential for Iceland! In summer, something like my Patagonia waterproof shell is perfect as it can easily go on top of my Patagonia puffy jackets. However, in spring or fall, something warmer like a parka is a better choice. I took my Columbia South Canyon Sherpa and it kept me dry and cozy.

Sweaters/ Fleeces

For mid-layers, you’ll probably want some sweaters and fleeces. One of my favourite breathable mid-layers is the Patagonia Snap-T Fleece Pullover.

Waterproof hiking boots

As you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, bring a comfortable and sturdy pair of hiking boots. You’ll want something waterproof and lightweight. I took my Keen Hiking Boots and they were perfect for all the walking we did. 

Swimwear

If you’re planning to visit any of Iceland’s hot springs, don’t forget your swimsuit!

Backpack

Choose a bag with hip and chest straps to reduce the strain on your back and neck. I have an Osprey daypack which is really comfortable and spacious. Patagonia also has a great selection.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive Iceland packing guide!

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle: Final thoughts

The Golden Circle in Iceland is an iconic attraction. Whether you’re self-driving the Golden Circle or joining a guided tour, it’s sure to be a memorable experience! I hope this blog post helps you plan your own trip and answers all the questions you have about visiting the Golden Circle. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland, check out the following guides:

Love from Steph
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