Overview
Take a trip to the Golden Circle on your Iceland Vacation
After Reykjavik, the most popular activity on an Iceland vacation is usually the Golden Circle tour easily done in half a day from Reykjavik but perhaps more interesting if taking a full-day tour or on a self-drive vacation. Generally, the distance covered on the tour is around 300 kilometres/186 miles. There are three major attractions which are all within 100 kilometres/60 miles of Reykjavik.
Thingvellir National Park is 40 kilometres/25 miles from Reykjavik and is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its historical, cultural and geological significance. It lies in a valley that is the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is also the site of Iceland’s first parliament established in 930 AD. The parliament met here until 1798. There are no real visible remains but signposts and a visit to the visitor's centre give an idea about it.
The next stop is usually the Gullfoss Waterfall which is exceptionally beautiful. On looking at the waterfall from the viewing platform, one gets a bird’s eye view of the tumbling and rushing waters and a feel for the force and power of nature. The water falls down 32 metres/104 feet in two stages into a rugged canyon where the walls are as high as 70 metres/230 feet in height.
Possibly the highlight of the Golden Circle on an Iceland tour is the opportunity to see geysers/hot springs in action. The highly active Geysir Hot Spring area has boiling mud pits and exploding geysers. The most active is Strokkur which spouts water 30 metres/100 feet into the air every few minutes. It has been known to reach 40 kilometres/125 feet in height. One can get fairly close to it. The other major geyser is Geysir is not far from Strokkur and is less active.
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6 Trips Found
Iceland Complete Road Trip
Reykjavik and Golden CircleExplore Iceland's stunning scenery on an unforgettable road trip. From Reykjavik, visit geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls, and unwind in the famous Blue Lagoon before heading home.
10 days
From US$2,742/p.p.
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Iceland Complete: Winter Wonders of Fire & Ice
Reykjavik and Golden CircleChase the northern lights across Iceland on a small group journey through glacier lagoons, volcanic shores, steaming springs and story-rich fjords.
9 days
From US$3,842/p.p.
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Iceland Golden Circle: South Coast Road Trip
Reykjavik and Golden CircleExplore Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanoes and hot springs on this independent self-drive adventure, from the Blue Lagoon to Vik and the wild beauty of the south coast.
5 days
From US$1,014/p.p.
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Ring Road Highlights Road Trip
Reykjavik and Golden CircleExperience an unforgettable self-drive journey along Iceland's Ring Road. Marvel at stunning waterfalls, volcanic terrains, and the country's unique hidden treasures.
8 days
From US$1,780/p.p.
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Iceland Complete Road Trip
Reykjavik and Golden CircleExplore Iceland's stunning scenery on an unforgettable road trip. From Reykjavik, visit geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls, and unwind in the famous Blue Lagoon before heading home.
10 days
From US$2,742/p.p.
Request a Quote
Iceland Complete: Winter Wonders of Fire & Ice
Reykjavik and Golden CircleChase the northern lights across Iceland on a small group journey through glacier lagoons, volcanic shores, steaming springs and story-rich fjords.
9 days
From US$3,842/p.p.
Request a Quote
Iceland Golden Circle: South Coast Road Trip
Reykjavik and Golden CircleExplore Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanoes and hot springs on this independent self-drive adventure, from the Blue Lagoon to Vik and the wild beauty of the south coast.
5 days
From US$1,014/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ring Road Highlights Road Trip
Reykjavik and Golden CircleExperience an unforgettable self-drive journey along Iceland's Ring Road. Marvel at stunning waterfalls, volcanic terrains, and the country's unique hidden treasures.
8 days
From US$1,780/p.p.
Request a Quote
What do the experts say?
Globetrotters should visit Iceland twice in their lifetime. Once in summer and another time in Winter. The scenery is very different. You also get to see the puffins in the summer and Northern Lights in the winter
Iceland has a big New Year's celebration where many people flock to the streets, gather around bonfires, enjoy fireworks and party in pubs and bars. Try Hákarl, fermented shark if you dare
For any movie fans, you have to visit the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik - this is a homage to the Big Lebowski. You can sip your White Russians while eating a great meal
When visiting Iceland everyone should try Hákarl - Fermented shark followed by Brennivin, a liquor that cut's through the strong flavour.
Atlantic tectonic plates, Thingvellir National ...
Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Geyser Strokkur, Geysir National Park, Iceland
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ExcellentBased on 5,341 ReviewsBrooke from Goway Travel was really great to work with. There was 12 of us travelling and we weren’t all travelling on the exact same itinerary. Brooke worked hard to keep us all organized. She facilitated all the bookings and flights for an African safari and further travel for some after that. The safari out of Nairobi was excellent. Would definitely use Goway Travel and Brooke again. Karen GGoway Travel one of the best travel companies that my family have used to book a vacation. We worked with Leo Li, a travel agent at Goway to plan a two week tour to China called Scenic China: Mountain, Rivers, and Rice Terraces in October, 2026. From the start, the communication was clear and helpful. Leo listened to what we wanted and added a day before the start of the tour and a day at the end of the tour which was requested, booked great hotels, and took the stress completely out of booking flights and transfers.
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I wish I could directly submit a review on each tour guide in each location, which would be much more specific on how the experience went. Maybe in the future they will give a more in-depth survey on each tour guide that you interact with and their choices and their touring style. That being said I still give the trip a 95%. Marina PenderThis Kenya adventure was my second trip to Africa with Goway, and once again, my go-to Africa specialist, Alexandra Hale, worked her magic. She helped create a thoughtfully planned itinerary that included all the must-see highlights of Kenya, with the perfect blend of luxury and adventure.
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Our recent 16-day private journey through China was an extraordinary experience, thanks in large part to Leo Liu of Goway Travel, who worked closely with me to create a truly personalized itinerary.
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WIth GoWay and their wonderful consultants you can’t go wrong. You are safe and well looked after. I highly recommend this travel company.521810 - Linda Ann Weich - AfricaI want to thank Taha for his outstanding knowledge on Ghana. It was so good to work with him on the planning and the process to Ghana. Everything was amazing, from the hotels, tour guide Leslie, restaurants, and the food. I would definitely recommend Taha to anyone wanting to travel with a group.
Best,
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