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Strokkur, Haukadalur, Iceland. Photo: Chmee2/Valtameri, CC BY 3.0
The Golden Circle is a 7–8 hour loop from Reykjavík: a rift valley, a geyser and a great waterfall. In winter, go early and bring microspikes.
Key takeaways
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~48 km from Reykjavík · Parking ISK 1,000 per car
A rift valley on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the site of Iceland's parliament from about 930 until 1798. A UNESCO site. The main path runs along the Almannagjá rift wall. One parking payment covers the three main car parks for the day; pay on site or at checkit.is.
~110 km from Reykjavík · Free
Strokkur erupts up to 30 m at regular intervals, and doesn't empty between eruptions. The Great Geysir itself has been mostly dormant since 2000. Boardwalks ice over from refreezing steam.
~120 km from Reykjavík · Free
Two falls, 11 m then 20 m, on the Hvítá river. In winter the walls are rimmed with ice around dark, rushing water. The lower path is often closed when iced, decided on the day; the upper viewpoint stays open.
~75 km from Reykjavík · ISK 700
A crater just off the loop. Privately owned, open only in daylight ("when the sun is shining"), with an icy path down. The fee covers paths, parking and toilets.
ISK 4,500 adults · 10:00–19:00 in winter
Iceland's oldest pool, at Flúðir, off the loop. About a quarter of the Blue Lagoon's winter price.
Check dates on GetYourGuideIn short Short daylight is the limit in winter: Reykjavík gets 4h 23m on 15 December and 8h 42m by 15 February, so start early.
Daylight is the limit.
On the shortest days
Leave Reykjavík in the dark so you reach Gullfoss while it's light.
Coach tours are the cheapest way round without a car.
| Tour (Gray Line) | Length | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Golden Circle | 6h30 | ISK 9,999 (was 12,499) |
| With Kerið | 7h | ISK 10,159 (was 12,699) |
| With Friðheimar greenhouse | 8h | from ISK 10,999 |
| With the Secret Lagoon | 9h30 | from ISK 15,999 |
Þingvellir is the closest truly dark sky to Reykjavík, about 45 minutes away, with an open view north over the lake.
If you're driving
On a tour
Full day · From Reykjavík
The classic loop by coach. Suits anyone without a car or who'd rather not drive on ice.
GetYourGuide prices couldn't be read for these dates; check the listing.
Most tours take 7–8 hours. On the shortest December days, leave early to have daylight at Gullfoss.
The sights are free. You pay for parking at Þingvellir (ISK 1,000 for a car) and ISK 700 at Kerið.
Yes, on main roads with winter service, but the Mosfellsheiði stretch can ice and drift. Check umferdin.is and SafeTravel before leaving, and allow extra time.
At regular intervals. Unofficial figures range from every 4 to every 10 minutes; the only official figure is its height, up to 30 m.