Can I drive the Golden Circle?

It's a 190-mile driving loop from Reykjavik into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. But the best part is you can do the whole trip in just a day! It's ideal for people on a short layover flying to Europe without much time. Self-driving the Golden Circle in Iceland allows you to go at your own pace.

Can you visit Golden Circle without a tour?

All the sights on the Golden Circle route, which the exception of Kerið crater, are free to visit. A self-drive tour gives you the freedom to explore on your own time and even avoid the crowds of bus tours.

Can you do the Golden Circle yourself?

You have two main options for visiting the Golden Circle – you can drive yourself, or you can take a guided tour.

How much does the Golden Circle cost?

Cost & Hours: Entrance Fee: 400 ISK (around USD $4) with parking included when staffed.

Do you need 4x4 for Golden Circle Iceland?

The good news is that you don't need a 4x4 vehicle to travel the Golden Circle. The roads are well-paved and maintained, with emergency service and rescue vehicles always in close proximity. However, winter driving is always tricky, especially if you don't drive in icy or snowy conditions regularly.

RENTING A CAR IN ICELAND - Golden Circle in 1 DAY - Gullfoss Geysir Crater | Barbster360 Travel Vlog

Can you drive the Golden Circle in a day?

How many miles is it? The whole Golden Circle route can easily be done in one day, as the classic journey covers around 230 kilometres (140 miles to you and me). You can actually drive the route in just over 3 hours.

How long does it take to drive Golden Circle?

While technically driving the golden circle is only 3 hours round-trip, the reality is a 6-8 hour day depending on how long you spend at each stop. If you want to experience some of Iceland's stunning landscapes but don't have a lot of time (for example, a one-day layover), the Golden Circle is a wonderful option.

Is it easy to drive in Iceland?

HOW EASY IS DRIVING IN ICELAND? On the Ring Road and other paved roads, driving in Iceland is very easy. The roads are good quality with clear signs, and generally not very busy. On sunny days, driving on them is a breeze, but weather conditions can change rapidly making the driving more of a challenge.

Can you swim in the Golden Circle?

Natural geothermal hot springs and hot tubs are a section of Iceland's culture. Geothermal bathing and swimming are an attraction to locals and visitors. Swimming in these geothermal springs is healing and relaxing.

What does the Golden Circle tour include?

The classic Golden Circle tour consists of Iceland's three most popular tourist attractions: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. The route covers approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) and loops from the capital city to the center of Iceland and back.

Are there toilets on the Golden Circle?

As you've surely gathered by now, the Golden Circle attractions are designed for tourists and offer all of the basic amenities, including bathrooms. There are public bathrooms available at all three of the Golden Circle attractions.

Can you drive around Iceland in a day?

How many kilometers can I drive per day? The general speed limit for cars in Iceland is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on paved rural roads. That means theoretically it would be possible to go all around the island in less than 2 days.

Which way do you drive to the Golden Circle in Iceland?

There's no better starting point.” To drive the Golden Circle in a clockwise direction, you head east from Reykjavik on Route 36 towards Thingvellir National Park, continuing on Route 365 to Laugarvatn.

Is the Golden Circle and Ring Road the same?

What is the Golden Circle? Not to be confused with the Ring Road in Iceland, which takes about a week to explore and complete, the Golden Circle is a circular route that covers about 300 kilometers and loops from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back in a day trip.

Is the secret lagoon part of the Golden Circle?

Thankfully, the Secret Lagoon in the village of Flúðir is located within the Golden Circle area. The lagoon is Iceland's oldest swimming pool, filled with water trickling in from an adjacent geothermal area, which, as an added bonus, has another geyser.

Do you need a 4wd in Iceland?

If you are travelling in summer but plan to tackle the F roads that cross Iceland's mountainous interior, then you are going to need a 4x4 to drive them yourself. Not only that, it'll pay you to hire a high clearance model as well. These roads are uneven and challenging, and most definitely not suitable for a 2WD.

Can you take gold into the pool?

Chlorine is a very caustic chemical and will damage all fine jewelry unless it is made exclusively of platinum or palladium. This is because gold and silver jewelry are alloyed with zinc and nickel, and chlorine will leach those metals from your jewelry. Enough exposure and your jewelry will literally fall apart.

Is Kerid Crater worth it?

Is visiting Kerid volcanic crater worth it? Classified as a side-attraction off the Golden Circle's three major sites—Þingvellir national park, Geysir springs and Gullfoss waterfall—Kerid crater is more than worth visiting in its own right.

Is the Golden Circle paved?

Don't worry about booking a 4WD car if you're traveling around the Golden Circle route. The roads are all paved and they're easy to navigate. There will be lots of signs along the way pointing you in the right direction.

Is a US driver's license valid in Iceland?

All driving licenses issued from the U.S.A, Canada, and the European Economic Area (EEA) are valid in Iceland. Driving licenses from anywhere else are accepted if they fulfill these requirements: A license number. The license holder's photograph.

Can an American rent a car in Iceland?

To rent a car in Iceland, you'll need: Driver's license (including a U.S or Latin-character license) Valid ID (Driver's license or passport can be used; for non-EU visitors, an International Driver Permit is required if your license is not written in English.)

Can you rent a car in Iceland with a US license?

As a rule, you must be 21 or older to rent a car in Iceland and you do not need to have an international driver's license, but you must have a valid home license with full driving privileges. This means that a driving permit or provisional driving license will not be adequate.

Do you have to pay to see Gullfoss?

Visiting Gullfoss Waterfall is completely free, similar to most Iceland's attractions. As the falls are free of charge and you do not need to pay for parking either, Gullfoss is one of the best places to visit for those traveling around Iceland on a budget.

Can you drive Ring Road in 7 days?

Drive Iceland's famous Ring Road on this quick, seven-day trip designed for warmer travel (so there are no slowdowns due to weather and lack of daylight in the winter). Head south to the most-visited highlights—massive waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glaciers.

Is Iceland Blue Lagoon worth it?

Pools and hot tubs often serve as a hub of social activity in Iceland, and while the Blue Lagoon may not provide that every time, it's a good place to get started. It's worth the trip for the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of Iceland: in its waters, its views and way of life.