The Golden Circle: A Symphony of Earth and Water

The Essential Self-Drive Route

The Golden Circle: Self-Drive Guide

The Golden Circle is the ultimate introduction to Iceland. This legendary 300-kilometer route packs the island’s most incredible geological wonders into a single day trip. While tour buses crowd the parking lots, driving yourself unlocks the true magic of the route: total freedom.

A milky blue geothermal pool surrounded by dark, moss-covered lava rocks with steam rising from the surface.

A milky blue geothermal pool surrounded by dark, moss-covered lava rocks with steam rising from the surface.

A milky blue geothermal pool surrounded by dark, moss-covered lava rocks with steam rising from the surface.

Why Drive Yourself?

The Golden Circle is accessible and perfectly paved, making it ideal for any driver. Having your own vehicle means you can beat the crowds by starting early or chasing the midnight sun late in the evening. You decide how long to stay at each stop, turning a standard tour into a personal adventure.

The Big Three:

Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to the exploding Strokkur geyser, which blasts boiling water 20 meters into the air every few minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall: The "Golden Falls"—a massive, two-tiered waterfall that thunders into a deep canyon.

A powerful geyser erupting a high column of steam and water into the air against a sunset sky.

A powerful geyser erupting a high column of steam and water into the air against a sunset sky.

A powerful geyser erupting a high column of steam and water into the air against a sunset sky.

Clear blue water flowing through a rocky rift valley surrounded by rugged cliffs under a cloudy sky.

Clear blue water flowing through a rocky rift valley surrounded by rugged cliffs under a cloudy sky.

Clear blue water flowing through a rocky rift valley surrounded by rugged cliffs under a cloudy sky.

Hidden Gems:

With a car, you aren't limited to the main attractions. We recommend adding these stops to your itinerary:

Kerið Crater: A stunning volcanic crater with vivid red slopes and a neon-blue lake at the bottom.
Friðheimar: A unique greenhouse restaurant where you can enjoy their famous tomato soup right among the tomato plants.
Secret Lagoon: A historic, natural hot spring in Flúðir - a quieter and more authentic alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

View from inside a basalt column cave on a black sand beach, looking out at sea stacks rising from the ocean.

View from inside a basalt column cave on a black sand beach, looking out at sea stacks rising from the ocean.

View from inside a basalt column cave on a black sand beach, looking out at sea stacks rising from the ocean.

Practical Tips:

Time needed: Allow 5–7 hours for the full loop, including stops

Road Conditions: The route is fully paved and open year-round.
Refueling: There are gas stations and restaurants at Geysir and Gullfoss.

Also check our guides.

The map below shows the live location of our shuttle bus in real time.

The Golden Circle: A Symphony of Earth and Water
Northern Lights
Driving in Iceland
Beyond Blue Lagoon
Reykjanes Peninsula

Pages

Your reservation

Info

Follow

© 2025 NØRDE Drive. All rights reserved.

Legal information · Privacy policy · Cookie policy · Terms & conditions · Accessibility · Open-source software notice · Other regions

* Availability, pricing, vehicle specifications, and rental conditions may vary depending on location, selected vehicle category, rental period, optional equipment, and local regulations. Images and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact vehicle configuration available at the time of booking.

* Fuel consumption, electric range, and CO₂ emissions (where applicable) may be influenced by driving style, road conditions, weather, vehicle load, and selected options. All values are provided for reference purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee.

Pages

Your reservation

Info

Follow

© 2025 NØRDE Drive. All rights reserved.

Legal information · Privacy policy · Cookie policy · Terms & conditions · Accessibility · Open-source software notice · Other regions

* Availability, pricing, vehicle specifications, and rental conditions may vary depending on location, selected vehicle category, rental period, optional equipment, and local regulations. Images and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact vehicle configuration available at the time of booking.

* Fuel consumption, electric range, and CO₂ emissions (where applicable) may be influenced by driving style, road conditions, weather, vehicle load, and selected options. All values are provided for reference purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee.

Pages

Your reservation

Info

Follow

© 2025 NØRDE Drive. All rights reserved.

Legal information · Privacy policy · Cookie policy · Terms & conditions · Accessibility · Open-source software notice · Other regions

* Availability, pricing, vehicle specifications, and rental conditions may vary depending on location, selected vehicle category, rental period, optional equipment, and local regulations. Images and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact vehicle configuration available at the time of booking.

* Fuel consumption, electric range, and CO₂ emissions (where applicable) may be influenced by driving style, road conditions, weather, vehicle load, and selected options. All values are provided for reference purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee.

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.