Why this road
The quick road from Reykjavík to Selfoss takes under an hour over the Hellisheiði plateau. The Golden Circle takes about 3 hours of driving without stops and shows you more of how Iceland works than anywhere this close to the capital: the gap where two continental plates pull apart, a hot spring that erupts every few minutes, a glacial river falling into a canyon and a red volcanic crater with a lake in it. Ending in Selfoss means no backtracking, and the next day you can carry straight on along the south coast.
The route
- AReykjavík
Leave the city to the north-east on the road towards Mosfellsbær, then turn inland across bare moorland towards Þingvellir.
- 1Þingvellir
National park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk down the Almannagjá gorge, where the edge of the North American plate stands as a rock wall, to the place where Iceland's parliament met from the year 930.
- 2Laugarvatn
From Þingvellir the road crosses the heath to this lake village with its geothermal baths. A good place for a coffee or a warm soak.
- 3Geysir
The Great Geysir itself rarely erupts now, but Strokkur next to it shoots up every few minutes. Stay behind the ropes, the water is boiling.
- 4Gullfoss
The Hvítá river drops in two steps into a narrow canyon. Look from the upper viewpoint first, then walk down the path towards the edge, expect spray.
- 5Kerið
Back south through farmland to a volcanic crater with red slopes and a green lake at the bottom. A walk around the rim takes about half an hour.
- BSelfoss
A town on the wide Ölfusá river, with shops, fuel and places to stay. From here the south coast road leads east.
Stops worth it
An hour for the Almannagjá gorge, the old assembly site and the view over Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake.
Wait for two or three eruptions of Strokkur. The steam glows when the sun is behind it, so stand on the side opposite the sun.
Forty-five minutes for both viewpoints. On sunny days a rainbow often hangs in the spray, you see it with the sun at your back.
Light and the best time
The first part runs north-east and then east, so on a morning drive the sun is ahead of you and low in spring and autumn. At Þingvellir that is an advantage: the high west wall of Almannagjá faces east and gets the morning light. At Geysir, steam and spray look best backlit, at Gullfoss the rainbow needs the sun behind you, so both work at almost any time when the sky is clear. In June and July the sun barely sets: an evening drive gives soft light for hours and much emptier car parks. In midwinter you only have a few hours of daylight, so start at first light.
The roads are open all year. May to September is the easiest time, with long days and mostly clear roads. Tour buses arrive at Þingvellir from mid-morning and fill Geysir and Gullfoss around midday, so start early or drive in the evening. In winter the loop is still popular, but snow, ice and strong wind are common, and daylight is short.
By vehicle
All paved and easy, a normal car is enough. In winter make sure it has good winter tyres.
Fine for campervans and motorhomes, the car parks have room. Watch the wind when you open the doors, gusts in Iceland can rip them out of your hand.
Good roads and little traffic early in the day. Expect cold, rain and strong side wind even in summer, and gravel on some shoulders.
Good to know
There is no toll on this loop. Parking at Þingvellir is paid and Kerið charges an entry fee, so check the current terms before you go. Geysir and Gullfoss have cafés and toilets. Check the road conditions on road.is and the weather before you set off, especially outside summer. Driving off the road is forbidden in Iceland and the fines are high, and never stop on the road itself for a photo, use the car parks. Fill up in Reykjavík or at the larger villages on the way.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does the Golden Circle take?
About 3 hours of pure driving for this loop from Reykjavík to Selfoss. With the stops, plan a full day, or at least six to seven hours.
Can you drive the Golden Circle in winter?
Yes, the roads are kept open, but expect snow, ice, wind and only a few hours of daylight. Check road.is before you leave and drive with winter tyres.
Do I need a 4x4 for the Golden Circle?
No. All roads on this loop are paved. In winter good tyres matter more than four-wheel drive.
Is there an entrance fee at the Golden Circle sights?
Geysir and Gullfoss are free to visit. Parking at Þingvellir is paid and Kerið charges entry. Prices change, so check the current terms on site.
Why end in Selfoss and not back in Reykjavík?
It saves backtracking and Selfoss is the start of the south coast drive to Vík. If you need to go back to Reykjavík, the fast road takes under an hour.