The Golden Circle in Iceland – A 2 Day Extended Itinerary

The Golden Circle in Iceland, is a breathtaking sightseeing route and the ideal place to visit if you have limited time in this amazing country.

The area within the Golden Circle is close to Keflavik international airport and to Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. In fact, the Golden Circle starts and finishes in Reykjavik.

The whole Golden Circle is “only” about 300-kilometres. As it can be driven in 3h it is possible to enjoy as a day trip from the capital city. We preferred to find some accommodation along the Golden Circle rather than making Reykjavik our home base. If this is also your idea, then follow our Golden Circle extended 2 day itinerary.

If you do have more time in Iceland, then the Golden Circle is the perfect tour before heading along the South Coast of Iceland. And you may also like whether a visit to Iceland in October is a good choice. And one of our absolute favourites are the Westman Islands.

Good to know about The Golden Circle

Being conveniently located and bursting with spectacular scenery, The Golden Circle is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole country.  Guided Golden Circle Tours from Reykjavik makes it a fantastic area to visit if you do not have a lot of time in Iceland.

The must-see locations such as – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall attract tourists from all over the world. Even those with just a single stopover day in Iceland make their way to these breathtaking landmarks of Iceland.

For people with the time and inclination to get off the beaten track, there are loads of amazing little stops you can experience and discover along the way!

In this article, I will tell you about some of the most wonderful locations on the Golden Circle route that may not be on everybody’s itinerary to Iceland.

And of course, I will also include the Classic Icelandic Stops along the Golden Circle.

How Best to visit the Golden Circle of Iceland

There are many organised tours directly from Reykjavik offering visits to the Golden Circle and ranging from 1 day to multi-day trips.

But if you feel adventurous and want to see a bit more off the beaten track, then I do highly recommend booking a car and self-driving.

Iceland is a safe country and it is easy to drive on Icelandic roads. Just be careful when you are driving during the winter months as the roads can be snowy and slippery.
Also remember to add some time to the schedule if you are visiting during the wintertime, because road conditions can get challenging and the maximum speed will be reduced. For some fun check out our bad weather reel on Instagram

If you still cannot find what you are looking for. Check out Bookmundi for more suggestions.

But most of the time, it is absolutely great to self-drive in Iceland and it gives you the independence to choose all the places that you want to stop at.  You can take things easy, choose lots of scenic detours, and have the flexibility to see beyond the tourist hot spots.

Accommodation along the Golden Circle

Within the Itinerary for the Golden Circle I have mentioned all our accommodation along the road. But should they be fully booked or you like to stay elsewhere brows the map below to find your perfect accommodation along the Golden Circle in Iceland.

How much time do you need

Try to set aside at least 2 full days for the Golden Circle if you wish to see more than just the hot spots which are;

• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Thingvellir National Park

If you are staying at an accommodation along the Golden Circle you will benefit as you can visit the attractions at the crack of dawn, or later on in the day when most of the day tourists are back at their hotels in Reykjavik.
Also, you will be able to add other highlights along the Golden Circle of Iceland which are detailed below.

This tour around the Golden Circle of Iceland took us actually 2 full days to complete. But the days were quite full, so if you want to take more time, make it a 2 ½ to 3-day visit.

If you have any questions, please ask in the comments so we can get back to you. If you used our itinerary, we’d love to hear from you!

Golden Circle Iceland Map – 2-Day Itinerary

Here is our ultimate guide to the extended Golden Circle of Iceland self-drive road trip on a map.
You can of course change this, do it anti-clockwise or add it to the South Coast of Iceland Guide. Should this be your plan, I suggest sleeping 2 nights in Fludir (Flúðir) and start the south coast self-drive road trip in Iceland on the 3rd day of the itinerary.

How to Use This Map of Iceland:  By Clicking the icons on the map you get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account so you will always have it with you when road-tripping the Golden Circle in Iceland.

To view it later on, on your phone or computer, simply open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

Sunrise in Keflavik at the Hotel Berg in Iceland

The Best Attractions along the Golden Circle

Below you will find the best attractions along the Golden Circle of Iceland including some hidden gems and some off-the-beaten-track locations.

This is the “Extended Version” of the Golden Circle and to visit all these amazing places you should count 2 full days and sleep one night along the road. Our suggestion would be to find accommodation in Fludir.
This itinerary can be easily added to our south coast of Iceland travel guide

Arrival Day in Iceland – Late Afternoon

I am assuming you will arrive at Keflavik International Airport. Whether your first night’s accommodation is in Reykjavik or Keflavik, I suggested you start your Golden Circle Road trip already now and head down to the Gardur Old Lighthouse.

Depending on the weather this may give you a great introduction to how windy Iceland can be. It is also a vast, peaceful place so far from everything. The Harbour Coffee shop serves delicious food and if you are lucky, you may spot the Aurora Borealis after dinner.

Our suggestion for the 1st-night accommodation in Iceland would be Berg Hotel

Day One – Road Trip along the Golden Circle of Iceland

Thingvellir National Park

Distance from Reykjavik 50km / 50min driving time

A short drive from Reykjavik will bring you to the historic site and national park of Thingvellir (Þingvellir). The only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland.
Whether you are interested in the history of Iceland, or the geological process, or just simply like to be in a beautiful setting and walking between the two continents, Thingvellir is quite simply an amazing place.

Walk along the Almannagjá, which marks the boundary of the Mid-Atlantic Rift. This rift is the space between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Iceland is the only place in the world where this rift is above sea level, and nowhere else can you see both plates as clearly as in Thingvellir National Park.

Every year the tectonic plates move approximately 2.5cm apart. Whilst there was no volcanic eruption for over 2000 years in the park, you can still see the lava fields in the valley, now covered in beautiful Icelandic Moss.

If you feel up for an adventure, it is here where you can go Snorkelling or Diving in the Silfra Ravine, filled with crystal-clear meltwater from Langjökull Glacier.

Good to know: Park at any of the 5 parking lots and wander around. The place is not that big and you can easily cover the entire area on foot. A restaurant and shop can be found in the main parking area, P1.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Distance from Thingvellir National Park to  Geysir Geothermal Area – 61km / 50 min driving time

Geysir Hot Spring Area is one of the most popular tourist stops in Iceland. The reason is simple.

How amazing is it to see a Geysir erupt high into the sky as frequently as every 5-10 minutes? A truly breathtaking spectacle, beautiful yet at the same time unbelievable. It brings back the fact that mother nature is simply “the best”

Much smaller Geysir’s are bubbling along the side of the footpath and it feels like walking on the moon.

If you do have some more time, walk up to the viewpoint which gives you a great view over the whole area, and if you can catch the large Strokkur Geysir erupt from up there, the view is beautiful.

Most of the springs are aligned along a 100m wide strip of land running in the same direction as the tectonic lines in the area, from south to southwest.

Good to Know: There is a large free car park on-site and an even larger restaurant and souvenir shop. As I mentioned this is quite a touristy place.

The Mighty Gulfoss Waterfall

Distance from Geysir Geothermal Area to Gulfoss – 10km / 9 min driving

Your last stop of the day, before heading to your accommodation along the Golden Circle, will be the mighty Gulfoss waterfall. This is also a busy place but, due to its size and different viewing platforms, the crowds will spread. If you are following our Golden Circle Itinerary, you will be stopping here at the end of the day may well allow a quieter time.

Good to know: Free parking on-site with a restaurant and shop.

Drive to Fludir for Overnight stay
Distance from Gulfoss to Fludir – 30km / 30 min driving

Whether you are staying at the same accommodation in Fludir like we did, or in another one, the driving distance would be to the village centre. There is a small shop should you need to stock up on some groceries as well. Fludir is a tiny village with not much around.

Our suggestion for the accommodation in Fludir would be the Au44 Cottages

Good to know: If you still have time and feel up for a hot spring visit the Secret Lagoon (now not so secret anymore) is located in Fludir and is Icelandic’s oldest hot spring.

Day Two – Road Trip along the Golden Circle of Iceland

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Distance from Fludir to Hrunalaug Hot Spring – 6km / 10 min driving

When I started to put together our Golden Circle of Iceland itinerary, I knew we had to find time to visit Hrunalaug Hot Spring. And we’re so glad we went, bathed in the clear and super warm water and just enjoyed some quiet and quality time as a family. The kids absolutely loved it.

It is on private property, therefore PLEASE when you visit, take care of this place and leave absolutely no rubbish.

Good to know: There is a small parking place with a box attached to a fence post, the cost is 10 US per person. The money is for the owner of the hot spring to keep it intact. Well worth the money, as seriously where on earth can you swim in such a beautiful place. The get the exact location you can find it on Google maps. There is no toilet there.

Gjain Viking area – Game of Thrones Film Location

Distance from Hrunalaug Hot Spring to Gjain Viking area – 55km / 54 min driving

We discovered this place by mistake as we were looking for the Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng Common Wealth Farm, which we will visit at the end of the day.

But it was a very nice find. To get to Gjain you will be driving along the Þjórsárdalur Valley which is classed as the Upcountry of Iceland but not yet the Highlands. Along a dirt road you will see some of the most beautiful scenery along the valley, this place was breathtaking.

Hardly any tourists as it is off the beaten track. We enjoyed this most beautiful canyon with Gjárfoss fall cascading into the gorge of Gjáin.

It is small, but ever so beautifully framed by the surroundings. Gjain is a lava area hence the beautiful and spectacular formations within the valley. Lava caves are to be explored and it will also be the area where you can spot the columnar basalt and volcanic rocks (tuff).

Good to know: Park in the free gravel parking lot and cross over the river by the footbridge. You can visit the Viking remains first before heading to the canyon.

Once up at the plateau where the covered Viking remains are located, follow the footpath marked Gjain. It is such a beautiful valley and when you arrive at the top and are looking down to the little lake and Gjárfoss falls, you will understand why this place is used as a film location and called “One of Iceland’s Pearls of Nature”.

Haifoss Falls

Distance from Gjain Viking Area to Haifoss – 11km / 50 min driving along a dirt road 332
Reaching Haifoss, even though it is only 11 km from Gjain, will take you longer than expected. The reason is because you will be driving on dirt road 332. It is not considered an F-road but it is a non-tar marked side road with lots of potholes.

Nevertheless, if you are making the effort to get there you will be rewarded with one of Icelandic’s most epic views and waterfalls.

Good to know: There is a small parking only a few minutes on foot to the top of the waterfalls. Be super careful here as there is a straight drop with no fencing. And the two main waterfalls Haifoss and Granni are giving up quite some mist which makes the area wet and slippery.

Note: If you are using this Itinerary in conjunction with our Ultimate Guide to the South Coast of Iceland, then we suggest from this point onwards, to head along the ring road No1 direction east.

You can visit the next stops along this Golden Circle 2-day Itinerary when you are driving back to Reykjavik before departing to your home country.

Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng – The Common Wealth farm

Distance from Haifoss to  Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng (CommonWealth farm) – 19km / 54 min drive. Half on dirt-road 332 to join main road 32

Close to the other Viking house in Gjáin, you will find a turf house reconstruction of the excavated Viking longhouse Stöng, and a turf church. It is called Þjóðveldisbærinn in Þjórsárdalur Valley – the Common Wealth Farm. During the summer the house is a museum and can be visited.  You can see why the surroundings were ideal for a Game of Thrones scene. The little waterfall which gives a great backdrop is called Hjálparfoss waterfall.

Good to know: There is parking only 2 min walk from the farm.

Kerid Volcanic Crater

Distance from Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng Common Wealth Farm to – Kerid Crater 70km / 55 min driving

A quick stop at the Kerid Volcanic Crater before heading back to Reykjavik will make this extended Golden Circle route complete and perfect.
The crater lake is in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland and is widely overlooked on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route.

This means it is not that busy, which is great. You can walk around Kerid’s Crater and even down to the lake in a scenic setting.

Good to know: To visit Kerid Crater there is a small fee of ISK 400 which is about 2.50 Euro per person to be paid. There are no toilet facilities.

Back to Reykjavik

Distance from Kerid Crater back to Reykjavik – 70km / 60 min driving

A long, but rewarding day is slowly coming to an end. Actually, not only the day but also this epic Golden Circle 2-day Itinerary. With so many different impressions, natural beauty and interesting facts there is just one last thing to do.

Walk up Rainbow Street in Reykjavik, visit the famous and picturesque Hallgrimskirkja church and take one more photo at the Sun Voyager.

Good to know: I have marked on the map of the Golden Circle route where it is best to park and visit these last sightseeing landmarks of Iceland.

It is super easy to get there along the outer streets of the city and only a few minutes on foot to these 3 places. If I remember rightly it is only about Euro 2.50 / hour to park. Maybe you even want to stop in the city for a well-deserved dinner.

Staying in Reykjavik without a car

If you are staying in Reykjavik and not renting a car use the Keflavik International Airport transfer service. In addition to the Golden Circle Tours, you will find shuttles to the Blue Lagoon or get your guide and join others on the hunt for the Nothern Lights. Or join an adventure tour to the Landmannalaugar area.

If you travel during the summer months to Iceland you can even see the Puffins around Reykjavik.

Additional stops along the Golden Circle of Iceland

We have not been to these places below, but should you extend your Golden Circle 2-day Itinerary to a 3-day road trip, then we suggest adding them for an extended visit to the Golden Circle.

• Secret lagoon of Iceland
• Reykjadalur Valley Hot Springs, a thermal river in the Valley of Steam
• Hjalparfoss or also called the Twinfalls

Travel inspirations from around the World

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    • France – Corsica Road trip Itinerary
    • Switzerland – Epic Road Trip Through Switzerland

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you are planning your Golden Circle in Iceland – 2 day Itinerary.
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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