MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS WHEN DRIVING THE GOLDEN CIRCLE IN ICELAND

The Golden Circle is a quintessential Icelandic travel experience, and with very good reason. The iconic route allows you to explore some of the country’s most awe-inspiring sights, all within a day’s reach. Alongside the three famous highlights of the Golden Circle, which include the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park, there are many other marvels and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from hot spring spa retreats to epic volcanic craters.

At Hidden Iceland, we offer both luxury private tours and self-driving adventures tailored to your pace and preferences. As local travel experts, we’ll craft the perfect itinerary to help you experience the very best of what this spectacular trip has to offer. With this in mind, here are the must-see attractions when driving the Golden Circle in Iceland. 

The stunning colours of the Kerið Crater are our first stop

Kerið Crater

Our first stop along Iceland’s Golden Circle is just an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. We begin at the stunning Kerið volcanic crater, a natural wonder formed thousands of years ago when a volcano collapsed inward, creating a dramatic caldera.

Today, visitors are met with a vivid spectacle of deep red volcanic rock encircling a lake of striking aquamarine blue. The bold contrast of colors, shaped by Iceland’s unique geology and climate, makes Kerið a rare visual experience. It’s a perfect introduction to the raw beauty that defines Iceland and a must-see highlight before continuing down Route 35…

Try the Friðheimar’s famous tomato soup

Meet the friendly and photogenic Icelandic horse

Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Ready to have lunch unlike any other? All year round, Fridheimar prepares tomato plants that are grown in their greenhouse via the geothermal heat of the area, with everything grown and prepared on site.

Naturally, the famous menu is tomato-based, and while we highly recommend the tomato soup and the ravioli, for something more adventurous, you might want to try the tomato ice cream or even the tomato beer. 

And if tomatoes aren’t quite your thing, there’s still plenty to enjoy. The place is also home to beautiful Icelandic horses, giving you the chance to meet these friendly (and very photogenic) creatures as part of your visit. 

The wonderous Gullfoss waterfall

A stunning sight at sunset

Gorgeous when bathed in Golden Hour light

Gullfoss Waterfall

One of the major highlights for all sightseers when driving the Golden Circle in Iceland is the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall and experiencing it firsthand leaves a lasting impression. The sight of the rushing water and the sound of the crashing waves remind you of the power of the natural world in a way few other landmarks can.

But even with the overwhelming scale of this thunderous waterfall, it’s an accessible and safe space to come and see –  rarely is something so awe-inspiring so accessible. And if the sun shines, a rainbow appears to dance upon the water. Whatever weather it may be when you visit Iceland, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. 

The powerful Strokkur Geysir

Strokkur Geysir

The geysers deliver a surprisingly regular spectacle that never fails to captivate. Every five or so minutes, an eruption demonstrates the power of the world beneath your feet – and no matter how well you know another flume is coming, it still manages to enthrall you. Just as with Kerið crater, the specifics of Iceland’s geothermal climate make moments like this possible, and a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

There’s about twenty active geysers across the country, but Strokkur is the most popular, largely due to its convenience and accessibility on the Golden Circle. There’s a large parking lot nearby, accessible from Route 35, so it’s easy to stop by, see something spectacular, then hop back in your car again.

The fissure at Þingvellir National Park

Summer at Thingvellir National Park.

Þingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park – another UNESCO World Heritage Site – is the last landmark of the Golden Circle. Whilst Gullfoss and Strokkur Geysir show the power of the natural world, it’s rare you get to see the foundations of our planet on show as well as you do here.

It’s one of the only places on Earth where two tectonic plates, the Eurasian and North American, can be seen pulling apart. The result is a unique landscape where a visible crack appears across the ground, a geological cleft known as Almannagjá. 

Alongside its geological importance, the park is one of Iceland’s most historically significant, being the birthplace of the oldest parliament in the world. The Alþingi date back to 930 AD, as a way of bringing people together to create a sense of unity.

Anyone who visits Iceland will be able to tell that they were successful. But all of these overwhelming reminders of the natural world can make you long for something simple and relaxing. And, as we return toward Reykjavik, we know just the place.

Relaxation at Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon

While Sky Lagoon isn’t actually in the Golden Circle, we love to end many of our Golden Circle trips here. It’s only 15 minutes from the centre of Reykjavík, so a great end to the day. You can equally include other nearby hot pools closer to the Golden Circle such as Hvammsvík, Fontana, Secret Lagoon or the new Laugarás lagoon (opening August 15th 2025).

However, we often choose Sky Lagoon due to its luxurious yet traditional hot spring experience with a spa treatment that you deserve. Their 7-step ritual to cleanse and invigorate is what you need at the end of a long day – and you can relax knowing you’re just a short drive back to Reykjavik afterwards. Watch the view of the horizon as you enjoy the hot springs, refreshing drink in hand, and wonder why every day can’t end this way.