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Sul · Iceland
Fissures of Þingvellir, the Geysir hot springs and the Gullfoss falls on a circuit through the southern interior.
In the photo: Gullfoss
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The Golden Circle brings together landscapes that help explain Icelandic geology on a short inland trip. Selfoss provides a base on Route 1, from which you can organize the circuit and then continue to the South Coast.
Þingvellir combines the fissure valley with the old assembly site recognized as a World Heritage site. In Haukadalur, Geysir and Strokkur display hot springs and geyser activity. Gullfoss shows the Hvítá river dropping in two tiers into a canyon. The Kerið crater adds another type of volcanic feature.
The route is by road, and each stop requires time outside the vehicle. Separate the visit from flight days and plan lunch between transfers.
This destination brings together 1 city: Selfoss.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Contornos: National Land Survey of Iceland, via geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.
Confirm before purchasing. From Keflavík, drive by road to Selfoss; the attractions are on inland roads.
The local experience
Fissure valley and former assembly site, recognized as a World Heritage site.
Field of hot springs in Haukadalur, where the geyser Strokkur often expels water and steam.
Two-tiered falls on the river Hvítá, which changes direction and enters a canyon.
Crater with a lake, reddish slopes and paths between the rim and the interior.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From June to August there is more daylight time for walks. From December to February days are usually short, requiring a circuit with fewer stops.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
One day covers the three main stops; two days with Selfoss as a base allow including Kerið and longer routes.
Selfoss town center gathers services and makes it easy to depart along Route 1. Rural lodgings between the town and roads 35 and 36 bring some stops closer, but require planning meals and transfers.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Þingvellir, the Geysir area and Gullfoss form the best-known sequence.
No; there are road sections between the places and independent walks at each stop.
Yes, the base is on the Route 1 corridor and avoids returning to the capital.
The circuit receives visits in different months, but daylight hours and available routes change with conditions.
