Golden Circle Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Golden Circle. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Golden Circle With Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour From Reykjavik

• Golden Circle, Volcano Crater and Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour

• Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Small -Group Tour From Reykjavik

• Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour From Reykjavik

• Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Afternoon Tour From Reykjavik

It’s free to visit the Golden Circle, a scenic drive comprising Thingvellir National Park and more of Iceland’s top natural attractions, on your own—just account for costs such as parking and activities. You can also explore the Golden Circle on a guided day trip from Reykjavik for a starting price of US$85.

Yes, the Golden Circle is well worth visiting, even if you have limited time in Iceland. Accessible on a day trip from Reykjavik, the scenic route highlights the country's spectacular geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. To focus on the route's natural beauty, rather than driving and navigating, book a Golden Circle tour that takes you to its three major attractions: the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. Full-day tours often include extra activities that would be hard to squeeze in on your own, such as soaking in the Blue Lagoon or seeing the northern lights.

Per one customer who booked the Golden Circle, Volcano Crater, and Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour, "It is a wonderful excursion to experience many different natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Everything from tectonic plates, breathtaking views, waterfalls, geysers, a volcanic crater, and ending with a warm soak in the Blue Lagoon. It is a long day, yet the travel time between stops gives you time to relax and enjoy the views!"

Golden Circle tours typically include stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area. Some tours have additional activities, such as horseback riding, a snowmobile tour on the Langjökull Glacier, or a visit to the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon.

You must set aside a whole day to explore the Golden Circle from Reykjavik with a guided tour. The exact length of the tour depends on which if any, additional activities your tour includes. Tours are typically full-day, ranging from 7–10 hours.

Yes, you can experience Iceland’s Golden Circle without a tour. Driving the route on your own allows you to set your own pace and dodge the biggest crowds, but traveling with a tour guide offers a more relaxing experience, information, and insights you might not otherwise get.

No, there is not much walking on a Golden Circle tour. However, the attractions typically require a walk of around 5-10 minutes from the parking area to reach the destination (sometimes over uneven ground), so you should wear comfortable walking shoes.

Yes, public restrooms are available at each stop around the classic Golden Circle route: Gullfoss, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. If you are taking a guided bus tour, your bus may have a restroom on board—inquire with the tour operator beforehand.

No, you do not need to book your Golden Circle tickets for a tour in advance, but it is highly recommended. The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most popular attractions, and tours fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer season—book in advance to avoid disappointment.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Golden Circle. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Iceland:

• Blue Lagoon

• Vatnajokull National Park

• Skógafoss

• Seljalandsfoss

• Reynisfjara Beach

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Iceland.